Wine is a fermented juice of any fruit, but most wine is made from the juice of grapes. Wines blended from several grape varieties are called generic wines. Wines are mostly named after the region where they came from like Burgundy which came from a European region.

Four Basic Types and Classes of Wine:

• Natural Still wines also known as table or light wines has less than 14% alcohol content, it is usually served with foods. Table wines may be red, white or rose (pale red). Examples of red wines are Burgundy and Chianti; white wines are Chablis and Chianti.
• Sparkling wines like Champagne, which gives off bubbles of carbon dioxide. Sparkling wine has 12% alcohol content.
• Fortified wines like Port and Sherry, contains added alcohol. The alcohol is usually supplied by adding brandy distilled from wines of the same region as that of the wine being fortified. The alcoholic content ranges from 16 to 23%.
• Aromatic wines like sweet and dry Vermouth are fortified wines made from a blend of several wines. The natural flavor of the wine is changed by adding spices, herbs, and other ingredients. Alcohol content of aromatic wines is 15 to 20%.

Classification of wine according to how they are served:

• Appetizer Wines or Aperitif Wines - are served chilled before a meal to sharpen the appetite. They are usually dry or semisweet fortified or aromatic wines. Sparkling and rose wines may also be served with meals.
• Table Wines - are wines that are served with meals. Red wines are served chilled. They are usually opened an hour before serving to enhance the aroma. White and rose wines are always served chilled. White wines are usually served with white meats and fish, while red wines with red meats. Some foods, such as vinegar-based salad dressing, do not go with wine at all.
• Dessert Wine - has a taste that varies from medium to very sweet and includes both red and white natural wines and fortified wines. They are usually served at cool room temperature, with cheese, fruit, or pastry.
• Sparkling Wines - ranging from dry to sweet, they are usually the wine that is served during special occasions. They are served chilled at any time and with any food.