Understanding The Differences With Red Wines

While the average person may assume that alltheir flavor not because there is any sweetness,
red wines are the same, the differences actuallyhave the lowest tannin content of all the
extend far beyond the label on the bottle. Withreds.simply creating color. The grape skin contains
over 50 main varieties of reds available, the colorsflavenoids, which are well-known for their
can range from light red and ruby red to deepantioxidant properties, and it is passed on from
purple.skins to liquid during fermentation. As a result, the
There are even some varieties that are almostfuller the body of the wine, the amount of
black in color. Of course, the flavors are as variedflavenoids will be much higher.
as the hues and can include fruity flavors orFour ounces of a full-bodied red each day helps
flavors that have a hint of tobacco. For thelower bad cholesterol, raise good cholesterol and
non-expert, the best way to develop anreduce clotting. The flavenoids are also thought to
appreciation for red wine is to learn more about it.inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells, as well
The color and flavor of red wines is a combinationas helping nerve cell formation, which can help
of the wine making process and the variety ofprevent the onset of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's
grapes used. Grapes used to make reds rangediseases.
from deep red to purple to blue and the skins areSome people seem to have the mistaken belief
left on during fermentation. The skins contributethat the only difference between the red wines
to the varieties of color and, along with the grapeand the whites is the color, or that the difference
seed, determine the amount of tannins in thebetween types of reds is merely what is on the
finished product.label of the bottle. Such beliefs fail to recognize
The longer the skins are left in contact with thethe subtle variations of color, flavor and aroma
fermenting grapes, the deeper the color and thethat have been perfected by wine makers.
higher the tannin content. Reds with the highestIn reality, the differences in the wines begin with
tannin content are considered full-bodied, likethe grapes and continue through the wine making
Cabernet, while lower tannin content givesprocess. Knowing the subtleties of the variations
medium-bodied Merlot or light-bodied Beaujolais.leads to a much a greater appreciation of them.
The fruity reds, which are named because of