Red wine is a type of wine made from dark-colored grape varieties. The process involves fermenting the juice of these grapes along with their skins, which gives the wine its characteristic color and depth of flavor. The shade of red wine can range from a light ruby to a deep, almost black hue, depending on the grape variety, winemaking process, and aging.

Key Characteristics:

  1. Color: Red wines vary from pale ruby to deep purple or even nearly black.
  2. Aroma: Common aromas include dark fruits like blackberries, cherries, and plums, along with secondary notes of spices, herbs, earth, and sometimes tobacco, leather, or chocolate.
  3. Flavor: Flavors range from fruity and jammy to earthy and spicy. Tannins, the compounds responsible for the astringent sensation, are a defining characteristic, providing structure and aging potential.
  4. Body: Red wines can be light, medium, or full-bodied, depending on the grape variety and winemaking techniques.
  5. Common Varieties: Popular red wine grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah (Shiraz), and Zinfandel.
  6. Aging: Some red wines improve with age, developing complex flavors and aromas over time. The aging potential depends on the wine’s structure, particularly its tannin, acid, and alcohol levels.

Red wine is typically enjoyed at room temperature and pairs well with a wide range of foods, particularly rich meats, cheeses, and dishes with bold flavors.

Image from Wikipedia