Posted on March 10, 2009 - by Amanda

How to Drink Red Wines

How to Drink Red Wine

Our series of articles on how to drink wine was really just for the purpose of getting to this one. Red wines are what it is all about. White and pink wines have their place, and we will introduce you briefly to sparkling and ice wines but red is the ultimate and the heart of the wine drinking experience.

Getting Ready

Start with a large wine glass with a wider bowl that narrows slightly at the top. You should be able to swirl the wine a bit. Try not to look too much like a snob as you do so. The point of the larger glass and the swirling is to let the wine open up a bit and be exposed to more oxygen. This releases flavor and scent and increases the joy of a simple glass of wine.

What to be Prepared For

Red wines are not sweet. They were fermented with the grapes and the skin all marinating together so they have tannins in them. Tannins are what gives the wine “body” and also what add the astringency to it. Red wines range from very light-bodied to very heavy bodied depending on how long the wine sat there with the grape-skins.

Red wines can have flavors that range from easy, soft and fruity ones like strawberry, plum and currant to heavy, dark flavors like tobacco, pepper, or leather. A complex wine will manifest a dozen flavors between the first smell and the last sip.

Finding What You Are Looking For

Red wine comes from many different grapes including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Malbec, Grenache, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Zinfandel. These grapes may stand alone or be blended and they may be sold with the grape name on the label or not. European wines are generally sold under the name of the place they were grown and made while New World wines are generally sold under the name of the grape/grapes. This reflects the different beliefs about what gives wine it’s subtle flavor differences. France believes that where the grape is from matters most while most of the rest of the world believes that the grape matters most.

You will need an advanced degree in viticulture or many, many years of drinking and reading about wine to understand all of the fine distinctions and remember all of the regions and what kind of wine they produce. However, enjoyment is not based entirely on knowledge so feel free to start drinking and just learn as you go!

Eating and Drinking

Generally speaking the red wine with red meat and white with chicken/fish rule is a myth. Drink what tastes good to you while eating what tastes good to you. We enjoy red wine with everything from spaghetti to salmon and couscous or just with a few pieces of dark chocolate. It is always helpful to consult with your local wine shop when you want to pair a wine and a specific meal. And, as with all wines, it is very helpful to have a basic and inexpensive bottle that you just keep on hand. A sort of table wine that is easy-going and not more than $5-7 for your everyday drinking.

Cheers!