Red wines are produced from black, red or blue grapes. Red wine does not get its color from the juice. Red wine gets its color when the juice of the grapes is allowed to have contact with the grapes skin for a long time. Red wine does not get its color by simply soaking the skin; it also has a substance known as tannin. Tannin gives the red wines the density that is ahead of the other white wines. The mouth drying quality of tannin makes you feel the firmness of wine in your mouth. The firmness will be strong if the wine is young.
The qualities of wine will become soft and mix harmoniously with the other factor of the wine as the time passes. This act as the main reason for the red wines to age better than whites. The grapes are fermented as a whole along with the skin and seeds. Red wines can be light or sweet, soft or refreshing. 
Though the color of red wines vary greatly their flavor does not differ much as white wine with their counterparts. The flavor of red wine tends to be deeper due to the presence of tannins.
Since red wine has more complex flavor it has to be served at a warmer temperature.
Grapes used to make red wine
Cabernet Sauvignon
Gamay
Grenache
Merlot
Pinot Noir
Sangiovese
Syrah/Shiraz
Tempranillo
Zinfandel
Following are the major red wine types:
Barbera
This wine is similar to merlot but it is not well known. This wine can be paired with any type of dishes that are prepared from tomato sauce. They have a taste similar to blackberry and plum fruit, with a glossy texture.
Cabernet Sauvignon
It is considered as one of the world's best wine. It is often paired with cabernet franc and merlot. It has a full bodied flavor. It can be served along with red meat.
Merlot
A good introduction to red wine and an easy to drink wine is the merlot wines. They have a rough and tannic flavor. This wine can be served along with any type of food.
Pinot Noir
Grapes used to prepare this wine are difficult to grow and it is rarely mixed with other varieties. Chicken, lamb and salmon can be served along with this wine. Pinot noir wines have a fragile taste and fresh fruity smell and plain notes.
Syrah or Shiraz
These wines match well with beef, steak, stew, and wild games. It has a fruity taste and fascinating tannins.
Zinfandel
The grape used to make this wine is considered to be world's most versatile grape. Wines prepared from this grape have heavy red color. The wine can be served along with tomato sauce, pizza or meat depending on its heaviness. It has a bracing berry and pepper flavor.
To see a list of red wines move to the page Red wine list
Red Wine Flavor Descriptions
- Cherry
- Plum
- Strawberry
- Blackberry
- Raspberry
- Currant
- Gooseberry
- Boysenberry
- Raisin
- Fig
- Pepper (white/black)
- Clove
- Cinnamon
- Coffee
- Cocoa
- Mocha
- Tobacco
- Leather
- Licorice
- Toast
- Smoke
- Violet
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