Red wine is an alcoholic beverage produced from dark grape varieties through a process that allows the transfer of anthocyanins from the grape skins to the juice. It is known for its tannins and spicy primary aromas, with an alcohol content typically ranging from 12% to 15%.
How it is made
Red wine is primarily made from black grapes. The pigments that give red wine its color, anthocyanins, are found in the skins of black grapes. After arriving at the winery, the grapes typically go through a destemming machine where the stems are removed and the grapes are crushed. The resulting mass of juice with skins, pulp, and seeds is placed in tanks for maceration. During maceration, the skins impart color, flavor, and aromatic compounds to the juice. After maceration, the liquid portion, called must or free-run juice, is drained from the tanks, while the solid parts are pressed to extract additional wine.
History
Red wine has been produced for thousands of years, with evidence of its medicinal use in Mesopotamia, China, and Ancient Egypt as far back as 2000 BCE. Hippocrates used wine as an antiseptic, diuretic, sedative, and solvent for medications, recommending it to his patients. The beverage has maintained cultural significance throughout history, often appearing in literature and popular culture.
Types and styles
There are approximately 4,500 varieties of red wine produced worldwide. Most dark grape varieties belong to the Vitis vinifera species, though some hybrids were popular before being banned by the European Union. Each winemaking region has its own specific grape varieties and styles. Notable types include Egri Bikavér, Merlot, and Mukuzani, as well as regional styles like Akadama, Cviček, and Khvanchkara.
How it is served
Red wine can be served neat, with food, or in cocktails. When served neat, it is typically decanted to allow it to breathe and develop its flavors. It pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly rich dishes. Red wine is also used in numerous cocktails including Kalimotxo, Mulled Wine, Sangria, Tinto de Verano, and Wine Cooler.
Adapted from the Russian Wikipedia article Красное вино, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Kinds of red wine
Other styles
- Akadama
- Cviček
- Khvanchkara (Georgia)
- Rooibos wine
- Chambertin-Clos de Bèze
- Negru de Purcari (Moldova)
- Nama (Greece)
- Akhasheni (Georgia)
- Alazani (Georgia)
- Parraleta
- Barakoni wine
- Kefessia (Crimea)
- Teliani (Georgia)
- Апсны (вино) (Republic of Abkhazia)
- Геташен (вино) (Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic)
- Лыхны (Republic of Abkhazia)
Well-known brands
- Бастардо десертное Алушта (Russia, Ukraine)
- Каберне Алушта (Russia)
- Портвейн Красный Массандра (Russian Empire)
- Портвейн красный Ливадия (Russian Empire)
- Портвейн красный Южнобережный (Soviet Union)
- Столовое красное Алушта (Soviet Union)