| Advanced Appreciation of Red Wines |
| Classic Wines from the �Old World� Bordeaux, Burgundy and Beaujolais � The Great Reds of France Bordeaux is a classical wine of France which sets the standards of all fine red wines. Bordeaux are mostly produced from Cabernet Sauvignon and are frequently blended in with Merlot and a variety of other minor grapes (such as Cabernet Franc) for better taste. Since Cabs is the major grape that makes up Bordeaux, the wine usually tends to be tannic in taste. The tannin level changes in accordance to the amount of �softer� wines blended into it. For a beginner, Bordeaux is a good tannic wine to savor after you have got used to the initial �difficult� taste of red wines. Just make sure you don�t buy a too expensive one which is very tannic and requires you to store for some time before consumption. You can do so only after you are more experienced to savor better red wines. Burgundy wines are pleasing to the eyes as it has a unique brick red color that is different from most deep colored wines made from Cabs or Shiraz. It is no wonder as Burgundy is made from the less tannic Pinot Noir and often contains pleasant aromas. Most Burgundy also seem to be fairly higher in alcohol content due to the relatively sweetness of the Pinot Noir from which it is made. Burgundy is a fine wine to taste for beginners and is most interesting too due to its complex mix of fruity flavors and pleasing aromas. Its taste may vary greatly depending on the different soils and climatic conditions from which Pinot Noir are harvested. Burgundy may taste like berries and fruits, with hints of wood, herbs or even mineral ores in its midst. Please take note that good Burgundy is quite expensive. Beaujolais is a unique wine made entirely from a different grape variety from the major four ones that you read just now. The grape that makes Beaujolais is Gamay, whose wine is so good and so famous that the entire Beaujolais region of southern Burgundy is dedicated to make this unique wine! Gamay is also a grape variety only authentic to France - to savor Beaujolais hence can be said is a unique experience that all wine drinkers must not miss! And never to regret it either, for Beaujolais is a bubbly and young wine, full of vigor and energy and not to mention low in tannin and easy for consumption. It is relatively cheap too - a superb bonus for a wine of such great quality. A must-try for all beginners to red wines!! Chianti and Barbera � The Traditional Wines of Italy Ah�. Chianti! (KiAN Tee) The wine unique to Italy and is the most famous Italian wines throughout the world! This wine is made from the unique Sangiovese grape and is actually a very dry wine. It is relatively high in acidity, moderate in tannin and contains a strong aroma of cherries. Chianti wines can be aged for some years to earn the designation of riserva (�reserved� wines of good quality) and become very pleasant to drink. Chianti Classico and Chianti Rufina are very good wines that could be aged for 5-8 years from its vintage to produce very interesting tastes. Despite its reputation, good Chianti is also relatively inexpensive. It is a fine wine that serves as a pleasant delight on special occasions at home. Barbera is Italian�s version of the fine everyday wine that can be drunk anytime. It is made from the Barbera grape, which is quite authentic to Italy. Together with the Sangiovese, the two grape varieties are the most common types of grapes planted in vinegroves that line along Italian streets. Barbera can be said as the milder form of the Chianti but not without its unique taste. It is also versatile and mild to be enjoyed with everyday food. It goes well with pizza and tomato-based dishes... And so both Barbera and Chianti are the wines to try if you like a fine wine to go with the pizzas you ordered from Pizza Hut! Especially when you have some friends to eat pizzas with, a few glasses of Italian wines and a good chat are one of the best experience you could ever have. Rioja � The Red Wine of Spain If one were to choose a wine most famous and representative of Spain, it would surely be Rioja (ree OH ha) - one of the classic red wines you can find in the world. Rioja is usually made from Tempranillo, Spain�s version of the wine-producing grapes authentic to its country. It is usually blended with another grape, the Grenache variety, which is quite sweet and hence able to ferment with relative high alcohol content. Rioja�s taste is similar to most of the red wines you have tasted. Most experts can recognize its taste because of the smell from the unique oak casks that the wine is stored in. |