* Epicurean Wednesday *
Celebrate with Red Wine in "Style"


According to an article "An Introduction to Red Wine" by Stacy Slinkard at About.com, red wine is commonly classified by its body-type. Each body-type is used to define the mouth feel and tannin structure of that particular wine. There are three different body types to define red wine; light-bodied, medium-bodied, and full-bodied.


Light-bodied Red Wine
> Soft tannins
> Lighter in color (light to medium red)
> "Feel" like drinking water

Grape: Gamay
Origins: Beaujolais and Loire Valley in France
Flavor: Light & fruity
Wine: Beaujolais Nouveau (pronounced as Bo-joh-lay Noo-voh)
*Serve best at around 55-degree Fahrenheit.



Medium-bodied Red Wine
> Higher tannin content than a Beaujolais Red Wine
> Medium to dark ruby color
> "Feel" like honey water

Grape: Merlot (pronounced as Mer-low)
Origins: Bordeaux region of France
Flavor: Rich & ripe plumy fruit flavor with a fruity lingering aftertaste with a hint of vanilla
*Serve best at slightly below room temperature.

Grape: Sangiovese
Origins: Italy
Flavor: Dry, range from light- to full-bodied and it displays aromas of cherry, roses, and violets
Wine: Chianti (pronounced as Kee-ahn-tee)



Full-bodied Red Wine
> Highest tannins content
> Medium to dark red color
> "Feel" like drinking milk

Grape: Cabernet Sauvignon (pronounced as Cah-bur-nay Saw-vee-nyonh)
Origins: Bordeaux, France
(Well...California, US is another popular place that produces this wine.)
Flavor:
Taste "green" - mint & green bell pepper aroma when grape is young.
It develops softer tannins with strong flavor of blackcurrant as it reaches its maturity.
*Serve best when wines aged longer.



Hmm...make me feel like drinking a glass of wine right now, Shall I?
See you in next posting!





Sources:
1. An Introduction to Red Wine, Red Wine Basics, by Stacy Slinkard, About.com
2. Wine Dictionary, Learn the Basics of Wine, American Bartenders School
3. Beaujolais Nouveau, by Stacy Slinkard, About.com
4. Merlot, by Stacy Slinkard, About.com
5. Chianti, by Stacy Slinkard, About.com
6. Cabernet Sauvignon, by Stacy Slinkard, About.com

Photo Credits:
1. Beaujolais, Red Burgundy Table Wine, Kobrand Corporation
2. Merlot, 2005 Chateau Les Ragottes, Laithwaites Wine, 4 Seasons
3. Chianti, 2007 Santa Cristina, Antinori, Astor Wines & Spirit
4. Cabernet Sauvignon, 2006, Chateau St. Jean