The fascinating wine varieties, especially the red wines

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 The fascinating wine varieties, especially the red wines. 🍷

  1. Cabernet Sauvignon:
    • Taste: Black Cherry, Black Currant, Baking Spices, and Cedar (from oak).
    • Style: Full-bodied red Wine.
    • Description: Cabernet Sauvignon is a robust red grape that was heavily planted in the Bordeaux region. It has become the most popular wine variety globally! These wines are full-bodied, with bold tannins and a long, persistent finish. The higher alcohol and tannin levels often accompany these wines.
    • Food Pairing: Lamb, beef, smoked meats, French and American firm cheeses like aged cheddar, and hard cheeses like Pecorino.
    • Great Alternatives: Merlot (smoother, more red-fruited), Cabernet Franc (higher acid, savory flavors), Carménère (similar to Merlot but with Cabernet Franc’s savory notes), and Bordeaux blends (which include Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot).
  1. Pinot Noir:
    • Taste: Delicate flavors of red fruits.
    • Style: Light-bodied red Wine.
    • Description: Pinot Noir, also known as “pee-no nwar,” is widely planted and beloved. It offers elegance and complexity. These wines are lighter in body and have a silky texture.
    • Food Pairing: Poultry, salmon, mushroom dishes, and soft cheeses.
  1. Barbera:
    • Taste: Juicy and relatively light-bodied.
    • Description: Barbera, a dark-skinned red wine grape, is considered Nebbiolo’s younger sibling. It hails from Italy and produces wines with vibrant acidity and red fruit flavors.
    • Food Pairing: Tomato-based pasta dishes, pizza, and charcuterie.
  1. Merlot:
    • Taste: Plum, blackberry, and velvety texture.
    • Description: Merlot has deep historical roots in Bordeaux and Southwest France. It’s softer than Cabernet Sauvignon and pairs well with a variety of foods.
    • Food Pairing: Roast chicken, grilled vegetables, and mild cheeses.
  1. Malbec:
    • Taste: Full-bodied, inky dark red wine.
    • Description: Malbec originated in France but found fame in Argentina. It offers rich flavors of dark fruits, chocolate, and spices.
    • Food Pairing: Grilled meats, barbecue, and hearty stews.
  1. Cabernet Franc:
    • Taste: Herbaceous, red fruit flavors.
    • Description: Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. It originated in Bordeaux and has a lighter profile.
    • Food Pairing: Roasted vegetables, herb-crusted lamb, and goat cheese.

As for recommended brands, consider trying:

  • Trefethen Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Château du Champ des Treilles (from Bordeaux)
  • Gary Farrell Pinot Noir (from Napa Valley)
  • Catena Malbec 2017

Remember, wine exploration is an exciting journey, so feel free to explore and discover your favorites! Cheers! 🥂

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