Learn the difference between dry and sweet red wines, how to serve them, and the No.
1 secret you oughta know for superb red wine food pairings.
Since dozens of vino varietals are available, choosing the best red wine for your palate can feel overwhelming.
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With this in mind, we’re summarizing the essentials in this basic red wine guide.
To create reds, winemakers grow, harvest, and then ferment the grapes.
During fermentation, the yeast eats the sugars in the grape juice and creates alcohol.
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After a set time of fermentation, some winemakers press the grapes to separate the skin from the juice.
(Unpressed wine is called “free-run juice.")
Next comes aging, which may take place in oak, concrete, or stainless steel vessels.
After filtering, red wine is bottled and delivered to wine shops, restaurants, oryour doorstep.
Most red wine glasses can hold between 10 and 22 ounces.
Perhaps you’ve seenwine decantersand wondered about the dos and don’ts?
Using a decanter is not scarywe promise.
To decant any wine, bring up the bottle and pour the wine from there into the decanter.
There are more than two dozen red wine typesand that’s not counting red blends.
Grapes that are made into lighter-bodied red wines are often grown in cooler climates.
The grapes that produce these red wine types are often grown in warmer climates.
Full-bodied reds can stand up tohearty fare like steaks, roast beef, barbecue, and nutty orchocolate desserts.
Don’t buy a “cooking wine” since those tend to have additives and preservatives.
Any wine you enjoy drinking should be delightful to cook witha $10+ bottle will be perfect.
Most ruby-tingedrecipes with winecall for “dry red wine.”
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Sangiovese work wonderfully.
The No.
So feel free to forget all the rules and drink what you enjoywith your goulashor Gouda!
That said, the best tip for red wine food pairings is “what grows together goes together.”
For French fare likebeef Bourguignon, consider a sturdy French Syrah.
To take it a step further, consider the strength of the flavors of your meal or snack.
They also make great gifts!
