There are many different types of red wine. However, there are five types of red wine that are the most popular both by the amount grown and the amount consumed.
Cabernet Sauvignon Wine
This red wine is tied for the most popular type of red wine with Merlot wine. This wine first became popular in the 18th century in the Bordeaux wine region in France. It was created when two other popular wines at the time, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, crossed paths.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a medium to full bodied red wine. Most get better as they age, since the younger versions are typically highly tannic. It is also best served at around 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
Merlot Wine
This is another really popular red wine. It is one of the most planted types of red wine since it can grow well in a number of different climates.
The popularity of Merlot wine grew tremendously in the US in the 1990s. At this time, the California wineries had a hard time keeping up with demand.
To keep up with demand, some wineries used less than quality grapes to make their Merlot wines. This created an image problem for Merlot as people saw it as a low quality wine. Now that wineries are planting enough to keep up with demand, the quality of this wine from California wine makers is continuing to increase.
Merlot wine is also a medium to full bodied wine. It has hints of cherries, blackberries and chocolate.
Syrah Wine
This is another popular red wine that is grown in a number of the wine regions throughout the world. It first became popular in the Rhone wine region in France.
Since it grows well in warmer climates, it grows well in the Northern California wine regions. Recently, you will also find some great Syrah wines from both Switzerland and Italy.
Syrah is a medium to full bodied wine with hints of pepper, spice and some fruit flavors. These wines are dark and dense. It's also best to age them for a few years to get the most out of this wine.
Pinot Noir Wine
Pinot Noir Wine is another popular red wine. This wine is a tough one to grow since it is impacted quite a bit by climate and other factors. Most of the wineries that grow this wine are only able to turn the grapes into great wine about 70% of the time.
Pinots are light to medium bodied wines. These wines are soft and include hints of cherry, raspberry and strawberry flavors.
Zinfandel Wine
Zinfandel is another red wine that is gaining in popularity. It has a controversial, but very interesting history. No one knew its origin until the 1990s when the industry finally did a DNA test on it to learn more.
Zinfandel wines are also challenging to grow. You will find great Zinfandel wines from Dry Creek Valley in Northern California. You will also find some great Zins grown in Australia, South Africa and Washington State in the US.
Jill Loeffler has more about types of red wine and information about enjoying wine on her site at AllAboutRedWine.com
