When it comes to red wine, there are thousands of different brands that make all different kinds. Most red wine drinkers have a preference but at the same time would not shy away if offered a different type. However, there are others that will only drink one kind and nothing else.
Therefore, you do not want to disappoint anyone by choosing one that may not be as appreciated. If you need to buy red wine online either for a gift, dinner, or special occasion, there are certain factors to consider when choosing and being conscious of them will guarantee you pick the right one.
1. Preference
Just because the person/people who will be consuming the wine that you purchase enjoys red wine does not mean they like them all. When it comes to red wine, there are many different factors that influence the flavour of each type. Therefore, liking one does not mean liking them all.
Before settling on a type of red wine, consider the preferences of whoever will be drinking it. The 4 most popular red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir. Cabernet Sauvignon is notorious for being dense with oak scents and currant and black cherry hints. Merlots is popular because it is like by most if not all red wine drinkers. It is known for being, soft, ripe, and pairable with many different foods. Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is dark and dry with hints that can include tobacco, red meat, and berries.
Pinot Noir can be hit and miss since the grapes used to make it are hard to grow and tastes can be unpredictable. This type is light-to-medium bodied with aromas of strawberries, cherries, or raspberries.
2. Food pairing
People who drink wine have a lot of fun pairing different types of reds to the food that they are eating. While there is no science to this art since it really comes down to tastes and preferences, red wine can greatly influence the flavours and spices in your meal and therefore make it that much more enjoyable.
When choosing a red wine, take into account what food you will be serving. Red wines typically go well with heartier meals and most red meats. However, because red wines offer a wide variety of flavours, you can break it down even more when it comes to pairing. Cabernet Sauvignon is best paired with hints of garlic and rosemary used in hamburgers, steaks, and ribs.
Because Merlot is medium-bodied, it goes well with most food but especially chicken, lamb, and pork. Shiraz is also very versatile and pairs especially well with briskets, stews, and lamb. Pinot noir is the fruitier of the red wines and pairs well with pasta, fish, and beef.
3. Region
Red wine has existed since the beginning of time and while its production was originally restricted to a few parts of the world, it is now being made in many different countries. The region that the wine originates from largely influences the body and flavour of it and therefore should be a factor in the type that you ultimately buy.
Different regions make different types of wine largely because of the climate and the grapes that they are able to produce. If you want a wine with sweet, fruity flavours, then purchasing one made in a warmer climate is crucial. These include Cabernet Sauvignons made in places like California or a Shiraz from Australia. The more acidic, tartier wines are usually made by companies in cooler climates such as the Pinot Noir that is popular in France.
