Choosing Fom The List of Best Red Wine Varieties
Different Types of Red Wine
Whether you are hosting a large party for your friends or are simply having your in-laws for a Saturday dinner, you would naturally want to impress your guests by serving them the best red wine that you can find. Picking a red wine for your meal is not always as easy at it seems. If you go the the wine store, you will see dozens of different types of red wine from different vineyards around the world, all claiming to be the best.
The thing is that there really is no such thing as the best red wine per se, because the criteria that people use may be vastly different. For instance, people who like sweet flavors will naturally lean towards the sweeter red wines. Some people are also partial to wines that are produced in popular vineyards of California, France or Australia, while other prefer red wines of lesser known origins.
The Best Popular Red Wines
Merlot
When asked what they would consider to be the best red wine, most people would say the merlot. This red wine is made from a variety of grape that has a very quick maturation period. Therefore, it doesn’t take too long to age this wine. The merlot is the favorite of many people because of its sweet taste, smooth flavor and affordable price. In fact, it is the best red wine for those individuals who are only beginning to appreciate wine-drinking. In addition, merlot is quite versatile because it can be served with practically anything, from red meats to pastas, to white meats, including fish.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Another very popular red wine is the cabernet sauvignon. Slightly dryer than the merlot, this red wine has more tannins and a much fuller body as well. Wine experts agree that the cabernet sauvignon is the best red wine to serve with red meats, especially those that are cooked simply, without any sauces and other additions. A bottle of cabernet sauvignon would cost anywhere from $6 to more than $500, depending on where it was made and how long it was aged. In general, the younger wines cost less, and the price proportionally increases with age.
Pinot Noir
Finishing off our list of best red wines is the pinot noir. Many people would agree that when it comes to flavor, the pinot noir is indeed superior to other red wines. It also comes with a much steeper price tag and so is not nearly as commonly served as the less expensive varieties of red wine.
How to Choose the Perfect Red Wine
Wine-drinking has always been considered a classy and highly sophisticated event, especially in the early years. For this reason, many people are hesitant to choose their own personal favorites, and they are usually unsure as to which wines are actually good or not.
Red Wine
But when you strip off all the ceremony and the rituals of wine-tasting, it actually all just boils down to an individual’s taste and preference. There really are no fixed rules when it comes to choosing which wines to drink or serve — as long as you like how it tastes, nobody will ever question your choice.
Wine Tips for Beginners
If you have never tasted red wine before but are now willing to give it a try, most experts suggest that you go with a Merlot. This has a rather sweet and smooth taste, making it a popular choice for the general population. It is very easy to swallow, even for first-time wine drinkers.
Merlot
A Merlot is one of those wines that goes well with all types of red meat, but it is particularly delicious when paired with beef or venison. Stews and casseroles can also be spiced up with a glass of Merlot on the side.
Shiraz
Another excellent wine that beginners can try is the Shiraz. After you have gotten used to the Merlot and are already able to fully appreciate its qualities, the Shiraz is the next step to take. This wine has a distinct fruity flavor, although some varieties can also be rather spicy. The stronger taste of this beverage makes it the perfect match for steaks and barbecues.
Pinot Noir
There used to be a time when red wine served with white meat was a no-no. These days, however, it is fairly common to serve red wine with poultry. For example, if you are having turkey, chicken or duck, you can open a bottle of Pinot Noir and pour a glass for each of your guests. A Pinot Noir has a much softer taste and is definitely not as spicy as the Shiraz.
Cabernet Sauvignon
After tasting all three of the mentioned wines, you will already have finished the first stage of your journey towards being a wine connoisseur. Now, you can move on to trying slightly more bitter varieties, such as the Cabernet Sauvignon. This would be the perfect accompaniment for foods such as cheeses and grilled meats.
