Types of red wine

Characteristics of red wine

There are different types of red wine classified according to the ageing, the geographical area and the grape used. Here I present some examples:

According to aging

• Young: These are red wines without oak aging, typically bottled shortly after fermentation. They have a fruity and fresh character.
• Crianza: These are red wines that have undergone a minimum aging period in oak barrels, usually at least 12 months. They possess greater complexity and flavors derived from the wood.
• Reserva: These are red wines that have undergone a longer aging period, with a minimum of 36 months in total, including at least 12 months in oak barrels. They tend to be more elegant and structured.
• Gran reserva: These are top-quality red wines that have undergone an extensive aging period, with a minimum of 60 months in total, including at least 18 months in oak barrels. They are complex wines with great intensity and power.

According to geographical region

• Bordeaux: Red wines from the Bordeaux region in France are famous worldwide. They are characterized by their elegance, structure, and complexity.
• Rioja: The Rioja region in Spain produces red wines with oak aging. They usually have a fruity and spicy character.
• Chianti: It is a wine region in Italy known for its red wines primarily made from the Sangiovese grape. These wines are balanced and feature flavors of red fruits.
• Napa Valley: Located in California, USA, the Napa Valley region is renowned for its high-quality red wines, especially those made from the Cabernet Sauvignon grape variety.

According to grape variety

• Cabernet Sauvignon: This widely cultivated red grape variety is used worldwide. Wines made from this grape exhibit body, firm tannins, and flavors of black fruits. An example of a wine that contains Cabernet Sauvignon in its blend is our Segura Viudas Mas D’aranyó.
• Garnatxa: Red wines made with the Garnacha grape usually have a fruity and spicy flavor. They can be young and light reds, with hints of red fruit and a mild flavor, or more complex and structured red wines, with notes of leather, tobacco and toast due to barrel aging. Some examples of red wines made with Garnacha grapes are Segura Viudas Garnatxa
• Merlot: This grape variety is known for producing soft and fruity red wines. It contributes smoothness and roundness.
• Pinot Noir: This delicate and aromatic red grape variety produces wines with notes of red fruits and refreshing acidity.
• Tempranillo: An indigenous grape variety of Spain, commonly used in the production of red wines in the Rioja region. It imparts flavors of ripe fruits and soft tannins.

These are just a few examples of the types of red wine based on aging, geographical region, and grape variety. The world of red wine is vast and diverse, with each wine region having its own characteristics and styles of wine.