Red wine is made from grapes that have red, purple, or even blue pigments. Because the skin (the only colored part of the grape) is left on during the fermentation process, the wine that is made takes on the color of the grape. There are around 50 different varieties of red wine, depending on the types of grapes that are grown to make it and the region the grapes grow. Besides being a delicious accompaniment to steaks and other hearty meals, red wine has also been known to have some health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Type
There are a number of different types of red wines out there, and they are all unique in flavor. Some of the more popular varieties are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Bordeaux, Chianti and Shiraz. The taste and alcohol content of each type varies. For example, Pinot Noir is a light wine, both in flavor and color, while Cabernet Sauvignon is a darker wine with a strong, tart taste and higher alcohol content. Certain types of red wine are particular of a region as well, such as the Bordeaux wines that come out of France.
Benefits
Recent studies have shown that having one or two glasses of red wine each day may have some health benefits. This is because red wine happens to be an excellent source of antioxidants, which help prevent the decay or breakdown of cells in the body. The specific benefits granted by small amounts of red wine include a lower risk of heart attacks. Also, red wine increases the amount of good cholesterol in the body, while preventing the formation of bad cholesterol.
Features
Red wines are distinguishable among other types of wine because of their tannins and their body types. Tannins are found in the skin of a grape and contribute to the tartness or strength of the flavor of a wine. Some red wines are light on tannins and therefore have a light taste, while others have a rick, lip-puckering taste that is high in tannins. Low- and high-tannin wines tend to go hand in hand with a light and full body, respectably. The body of a wine refers to how it feels in the mouth, with light-bodied fines having less of a presence and a watery taste, while full-bodied wines taste heavier and milkier.
Geography
Red wines are greatly affected by the region of the world where the grapes are grown to make it. Even if the same grapes are used and fermented for the same amount of time, the wine could end up different in California than it would in France. This is because of climate mostly. Grapes grow, taste, and mature differently when exposed to different amounts of sunlight or different temperatures. That is why many red wines are differentiated by regions, some tasting better than others.
Risk Factors
There is always a risk when drinking alcohol, and drinking red wine is no different. It's important to drink responsibly and limit the amount you drink to two glasses a day. That way you are still getting the health benefits of the red wine, but you are not being affected so adversely by the alcohol in it. While health risks are important to note, there are also serving risks associated with red wine. Namely, you should always serve wine in a wide glass to allow oxygen to freely flow on the surface, which enhances the wine's flavor. Also, it should be served between 60-65 degrees Fahrenheit. Any higher or lower and the wine will taste bitter, tart, or too much of alcohol.
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