Wine (from lat. vinum) is an alcoholic beverage made from grape. Only one beverage, which comes from fruits of the common grape vine, may carry the trade name „for wine ". According to the legislation in the European Union a wine must contain at least 8.5% by volume of alcohol.

The easiest way to know your way around wine flavors is through grapevine varieties. Each grape has specific characteristics. In some regions, one grape variety is used to make a wine; in others, winemakers blend several varieties in a single wine. To help you identify grape varieties, below is an overview of each of the major red grapes and their characteristics.

Gamay

Gamay grapes are ideal for all kinds of foods. It mainly grows on the hills in south Burgundy. The aroma of a young Gamay is described as a wave of cherry and strawberry fruit. On the palate, Gamay wines are bright and crisp. They are moderate in alcohol and have very little tannin.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the monster of the red wine world. It is like the Chardonnay, as it is widely planted and distributed. The result of this is that there are so many versions of this grape vine. Many people think of Cabernet Sauvignon as being a wine that needs to age, merely that is only because the best red Bordeaux need age. Most non-premium varieties are ready to go right away. Under ideal conditions, it produces an aromatic, tannic wine that ages and evolves to be both elegant and powerful. Perfectly balanced Bordeaux is one that has classic notes of black-currants, cedar, cigar boxes, pencils, mint and dark chocolate.

Merlot

Merlot started out as a Cabernet Sauvignon in Bordeaux and has risen to international popularity. The great wines of Pomerol and St. Emilion in Bordeaux are based on Merlot with Cabernet in the blend. These wines show Merlot at its toughest and to the highest degree intense. Merlot´s popularity is because it is softer, fruiter, and earlier maturing than Cabernet Sauvignon Sauvignon and displays some of the same aromas along with mint, and tobacco. In general, drink Merlot young.

Pinot Noir

At its best Pinot Noir is beautiful with a seductive silky texture and at its worst, it is heavy or flat. A dependable mature Pinot Noir has coordination compound flavors of strawberries, raspberries, cranberries, violets, all-spice, tobacco and hay. Pinot Noir is relatively low in tannin and acidity and needs a cool climate to grow. Too much warmth, Pinot grape Noir can develop baked together flavors, losing its elegance.

Sangiovese

A taste of Sangiovese and you will immediately conjure images of Italy. The name of the grape english hawthorn not seem familiar, but it is the principal variety in arrears Chianti, Italy´s most celebrated red wine. It is interpreted very seriously in Tuscany, and you will find it in California, Australia, and Argentina. It is naturally tannic and is best used in a portmanteau, usually with Cabernet Sauvignon. It requires a hot climate in order to produce its mandatory richness and alcohol content. In cooler climates, it tends to have sharp and bitter tannins.

Syrah

Called Shiraz in Australia and South Africa, Syrah is one of the greats of southeastern France's Rhone River Valley grape. At home in France, it produces wines that are smoky, herby, and stern. Australian Shiraz tends to be richer, softer with a leathered quality and personally one of my favorites. All Syrah/Shiraz demand a year or two from the vintage to hit its stride. Top wines will final about ten years.

Zinfandel

It is disputable where this grape originated, but it is indisputably California's grape today, with almost no winemakers in other places producing it. The best Zinfandel is spicy and heartwarming. Other styles range from off white to high intensity level sweet wines. Try a bottle not more than three or four years old, because that's when the Zinfandel character is strongest.