Discover The Many Varieties Of Red Wine From Around The World

Many people serve red wine when entertaining company and often as the main beverage with a meal. Many red wine varieties are grown in Europe but there are more and more being produced in places like Australia’s Hunter Valley and Napa Valley in northern California. The two most popular varieties of wine are merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Other Red Wine Varieties

Port wine comes from Portugal’s Douro Valley. This sweet wine is often served with dessert following a meal. Only fortified wine made in Portugal may be labeled Port wine. Cabernet Sauvignon is a French wine produced in Bordeaux. The delicate flavor pairs ideally with cheese, red meat and chocolate. This wine ages for a full decade to develop the full flavor. Pinot Noir should be served with meals of lamb, pork or fish. Zinfandel has a fruity flavor that pairs well with spicy foods.

Shiraz can be flavored like oak, blackberry or licorice and goes well with pizza, stew, steak and other meat dishes. Rioja, Malbec and Beaujolais are three more varieties of affordable red wine. Different grapes are blended to produce the full taste of Rioja. Malbec is a heavy Argentinian wine often consumed when the weather is cold. Beaujolais is served with many international recipes. Moscato wine may be fortified with brandy and is known for the low tannins and sweet taste. Most Muscat grape wines have increased levels of flavonoids, which are known antioxidants.

See Wine Spectator for Reliable Wine Reviews

The lifetime magazine Wine Spectator is a trusted source for red wine reviews. Respected connoisseurs from around the world provide taste reviews and wine ratings. The publication presents the annual Wine Experience where attendees participate in seminars and tastings. Many top international restaurants use recommendations by Wine Spectator to stock their own wine cellars.

Red wine is a versatile beverage and with time and experience anyone can learn how to choose the right wine to pair with any meal.