Red wine: The classic among wines

What is red wine?

red wine is one of the most popular types of wine in the world and has a long and checkered past. The production of red wine has its origins in antiquity and has been perfected over the centuries. Today there is a wide variety of red wines grown in different regions of the world, each with their own characteristics and aromas.

How is red wine made?

red wine is obtained from red grapes. The grapes are first harvested and then pressed. The must (juice) is then fermented in barrels or tanks, converting the natural sugars into alcohol. The red wine will then in stored in barrels or tanksto optimize flavor and color. During storage, the wine matures and acquires its characteristic taste and aroma. After some time, the red wine is then bottled and ready for sale.

Dry method:

In the dry process, the must is fermented during fermentation complete converted to alcohol. This means that all the sugar is converted into alcohol and the wine therefore contains no residual sugar. This method is mainly used in stronger crying such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Semi-dry method:

In the semi-dry process, the must not completely converted into alcohol, so some of the sugar remains in the wine. This method is primarily used for wines that have a... higher degree of sweetness should have, such as Zinfandel or Lambrusco.

Well-known grape varieties and growing areas in South Africa

Grape Varieties:

Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinotage, Merlot, Cinsaut, Pinot Noir und Cabernet Franc

Growing areas:

Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, Constantia, Wellington and Swartland

Proper storage and serving

Proper storage and serving of red wine can one big influence on the taste and quality of the wine. Some important factors to consider are:

Correct storage:

• Storage temperature: Red wine should be at a constant temperature be stored at around 14-18 degrees Celsius. Temperatures that are too high can Aging wine too quickly and his affect taste, while temperatures that are too low can delay the development of the aromas.
• Storage position: red wine should stored lying down to allow contact with the cork and prevent the cork from drying out.
• Darkness: Red wine should be protected from light and UV radiation. This can lead to the wine aging under unfavorable conditions and changing its taste.
• Humidity: A certain level of humidity in the storage room is necessary to keep the cork hydrated and thus prevent air infiltration.

Proper Serving:

• Serving Temperature: Red wine should be brought to the correct temperature before serving. Each type of red wine has an optimal serving temperature, which is usually between 12 and 18 degrees Celsius.
• Choosing the right glass: Red wine should always be served in a wide and tall glass to better develop the aromas and taste of the wine.