Wine is one of the most sophisticated beverages out there and there are no two ways about it. And it is not just us who have this perception but in fact, it is scientifically so; wine is made from fruit while most other alcohols are made from grains that aren’t inherently sweet.
Beer is too crass and tequila is a little too wild but wine; wine just rolls off the tongue in a “suave” like manner. Have you ever been in a situation where you were in a store and confronted with bottles of red wine with different names or even at a party where people were discussing the oakiness or finish of glass wine and you just didn't know what to do?
In that case, read along because we have a handy guide to help become a wine connoisseur.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Known for its bold and out flavours, the cabernet sauvignon is a beverage you can safely order anywhere since the taste of the wine doesn’t really depend on the brand that produces it. This works sinfully well with meat like lamb, ribs or a nice juicy burger.
Merlot
This is a sweet sort of wine and lacks some of the bolder savoury flavours of cabernet sauvignon. It rolls off the tongue much easier because of the lower amount of tannins. For trivia, tannins are what make the wine have a bitter taste. The younger the wine, the more the tannins. Pair this with white meat like chicken, poultry or duck.
Shiraz
This is the variety you’ll see a lot in Indian stores. It’s peppery, bold, spicy! Called Syrah in Europe, the Shiraz also has a much darker colour. Because of its “bold” flavours, we recommend pairing it with blander foods like cheeses on a charcuterie board, crackers and plain salted chips.
Zinfandel
Also called “Mom Wine”, the Zinfandel is juicy and pleasant but with much higher alcohol content. Based on where it is produced, the flavours of Zinfandel do vary. Some associate Zinfandel with fruity tastes. A glass of Zinfandel goes well with pizza, pasta or really any fast food.
A Little Extra: The Oakiness
The above classification didn’t talk about the oakiness factor and that’s because it is harder to describe the sort of flavour. A wine has oaky flavours because it is made in oak barrels. Now, if someone says the wine is oaky, it doesn’t mean they taste the flavour of a tree. The oakiness is an indicator of a smoother flavour (i.e. lower tannins). But generally, the oaky taste would be a combination of caramel, cedar, vanilla and mocha. You’d have to try it for yourself to know!
