What types of wine exist? Varieties and Classification
At Descorcha we think it is important to talk about the types of wine that exist, information that surely causes a lot of curiosity to those who love wine. Although it must be clarified that the classification may be more complex than it seems, taking into account that the manufacturing process of this type of alcoholic beverage usually varies according to the type of technique used . So without further ado, stay here and discover the different types of wine that you can find on the market.
What types of wines exist? types of wine in world
We are going to start talking about this classification of wines that exist, you should know that it is not possible to do it in only one way. That is why, throughout this article, you will find different types of wine, either because of the way they are made, because of their color, age, the strains that are used or because of the sugar levels used.
Read Also: WHAT TYPES OF WINES EXIST? LEARN TO CLASSIFY THEM
Of course, this information can be quite useful, especially for those who are just starting out in the world of wines. Next we are going to start talking about the characteristics of red wine, white wine, rosé wine and sparkling wine.
Types of red wine and their characteristics
Red wine is obtained from the mixture of the fermentation of red grapes. Its intense and quite characteristic color is achieved from the use of the skins of the raw material and the coloring substances. Depending on the aging process carried out in the barrel and in the bottle, young red wines, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva can be obtained.
Read Also: How many types of wines are there?
The elaboration of a red wine can be carried out by means of two methods, the first is carbonic maceration, which is produced with whole and confined grapes. While the second is done by removing the stem from the bunch and breaking the grape before fermentation through yeast.
Another characteristic of these wines is that they can remain between 3 to 5 days after they have been opened , in a dark and cool space while they keep their cork.
Types of white wine and their characteristics
As for white wine , this is made from a must of white or red grapes , the latter do not have to have colored pulp and must not have undergone maceration with their skins. The shades in which these wines can be found are: golden yellow, greenish yellow and straw yellow.
In addition, white wines can be classified according to their production process, existing young, aged, barrel-fermented and generous aging . As for the time that a wine can remain with its cork stopper after it has been opened, it is considered that it should be between 3 to 5 days.
Read Also: The types of wines
Types of rosé wine and their characteristics
Rosé wine is another variety of wine that is characterized by having an intense pink color. It is an alcoholic beverage with a light body, freshness and versatility , ideal to accompany different types of recipes. This is fermented only with the must, but initially it undergoes a maceration that lasts for several hours until the expected color is achieved.
It is usually one of the most striking wines due to its elegance and label . In addition, they are fruit-bearing, young and very pleasant to the palate. One of its characteristics is that they must be consumed in the same year of manufacture, since they have not been made for storage.
Types of sparkling wines and their characteristics
Sparkling wines , also known as sparkling wines , are those that have dissolved gas . Its elaboration is achieved thanks to a second fermentation in the bottle or closed tanks. Thus, the CO2 that has been produced will not be able to escape and will have to be dissolved inside the liquid.
This second fermentation can be done by adding sugar, bottling the wine before said fermentation is complete, or closing the vat before this process is complete. Sparkling wines are bubbly , once they have been opened or served, the foam usually rises quickly into the glass.
Types of wine strains that exist
When we talk about wine strains, we refer to the type of grape that is used to make certain wines. These have different characteristics and can be grown in different regions of the world. Here we will mention some of the best known:
- Cabernet Franc: it is considered one of the most widely planted red grapes in the world, it is native to the French Médoc region and compared to Cabernet Sauvignon it is usually lighter. It is characterized by being a vigorous grape, with clusters that grow from small to medium in size, without being very compact. The wines produced with this strain have a little intense color, with medium acidity and medium body.
- Cabernet Sauvignon: also comes from France, it is considered the most used grape for the production of red wines. The Cabernet Sauvignon strain allows to obtain tannic, complex and robust wines, which have notes of black fruits and dark purple or ruby colours.
- Merlot: the clusters in which the Merlot grows are small, while the grapes have a little opacity although they shine, being able to observe their bluish-black color, which is quite particular. With this grape it is possible to obtain wines that have low acidity, with moderate body, elegant and with soft tannins. In which aromas of coffee and chocolate predominate.
- Pinot Noir: it is one of the mildest strains for the production of red wines, it is characterized by being fresh, fruity and leaving different flavors on the palate. Pinot Noir is one of the favorite strains for those people who have started to consume different wines, this is because they are quite soft.
- Sauvignon Blanc: With this strain it is possible to produce dry and elegant white wines, which have flavors of grass, leaves and green fruits. In addition, it is possible to detect wines that contain high acidity and are aromatic. As for aging, Sauvignon Blanc is usually just as easy, unless the wine is in the barrel for a long time.
- Chardonnay: it is the strain with the highest hierarchy for the preparation of white wines. Chardonnay is characterized by early budding and easily adapts to a variety of soils. This type of grape gives wines different aromas such as flowers, honey, exotic fruits, pineapple and fresh butter.
- Syrah: is a strain that can majestically age for decades. The wines created from this grape have blackberry and blueberry flavors, while their color is dark violet. In the Syrah it is possible to detect a moderate acidity with flavors and aromas of black wild fruits and also some spices such as black pepper.
- Riesling: is a variety of German origin, which grows in the Rhine region; With this semi-dry and sweet wines are produced. It has a straw yellow color, evokes delicate aromas of green apple, floral bouquet and other citrus fruits. While it is possible to detect flavors of lime, pineapple and even cinnamon.
- Carmenere: our latest strain has dual nationality, French and Chilean. The Carmenere has a red color accompanied by violet tones, it is possible to feel its aromas of spices, red fruits and some touches of black pepper.
Types of wines according to their sugar level
Another way of classifying wines is according to the level of residual sugar they contain when they are bottled . They can be found and classified into four types, which are: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet and sweet wines. Below we mention its particular characteristics.
Types of dry wines
Wines of this type are those that contain between 0 and 5 grams of sugar per liter of residual water.
Types of semi-dry wines
As for semi-dry wines, they are those that have between 15 to 30 grams of sugar per liter of residual water.
Types of semi-sweet wines
Semi- sweet wines are characterized by containing between 30 to 50 grams of sugar per liter of residual water.
Types of sweet wines
This last classification is given for those wines that contain more than 50 grams of sugar per liter of residual water.
| Varietal | Sugar amount (grams per liter) | Calories per glass (150 ml) |
|---|---|---|
| dry | 0 – 5g/L | 0 – 6 calories |
| lawyers | 5 – 15g/L | 6 – 12 calories |
| semi dry | 15 – 30g/L | 12 – 30 calories |
| semi-sweet | 30 – 50g/L | 30 – 72 calories |
| Sweet | +50g/L | +72 calories |
Find different types of Chilean wines
At Descorcha we have the best wines that are produced in different valleys of our Chilean territory. Find all the types based on the different classifications that we have mentioned, either by its color, the strain used for its preparation or according to the level of added sugar. Explore our catalog and choose your favorite wine so you can enjoy it in the company of your close friends or family.