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What would life be like without wine!! After the end of a stressful and exhausting day, nothing is more rewarding than kicking back and enjoying a glass of wine to unwind or to make dinner more delicious. As with everything, moderation is key when it comes to enjoying wine especially if looking to reap benefits.
Main Types of Wines
Wine can be grouped into different categories based on origin and the type of grape used. In this blog. I will delve into the 9 types of wine that most people can relate to. So lets get to it.
- Sparkling wines
Sparkling wines mostly originate from Champagne in France and this is the term most people are familiar with. The term Champagne is mostly associated with class and prestige which is why people want to associate with it. Sparkling wine is also available with zero alcohol and is perfect for making a toast so everyone can participate and not be drunk lol. If thirsty for sparkling wine or bubbly as it is casually known, try Bruts and Prosecco varieties. Check out these yummy bubbly sparkling wines
Red wines are my favorite and knowing how to choose is important. They are available in light , medium and full bodied varieties.
2. Light Bodied Red Wines – Light just like the name suggests are see through, can be seen through the glass and have light tannin( slightly acidic or bitter). Light bodied red wines are those that have not had time to ferment fully and are considered”young”. Popular light red wines include Pinot Noir:
3. Medium Bodied Red Wines – These wines are perfect for enjoying dinner because their tannin level is more balanced. Their acidic level makes them ideal for enjoying from cheese and crackers to salads
4. Full Bodied Red Wines – These are thick, have the highest tannin levels and are rich in color. If you are looking to enjoy that rib eye steak, then full bodied reds will do the trick. My go to red wines in this category are Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbecs
Desert wines are so flavorful and intense, you will want to skip on cookies and cake. These wines are sweet and have a higher alcohol content, usually about 15% alcohol volume and these include Ports and Sherrys. You can also enjoy desert wines with low alcohol content of 10% like the popular Moscato and Riesling.
6. Light Bodied White Wines
These are the most popular white wines and are mostly enjoyed with food. Popular brands in this category include Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. The best light bodied white wines come from cool and rainy climates so do your due diligence before buying.
7. Full Bodied White Wines
Full bodied white wines are rich and creamy and can be enjoyed by red wine lovers. The difference between these types of wine and light bodied whites are the longer aging process applied and they are made in warmer climates . If you are an avid Chardonnay drinker, you can relate to the woody taste which comes from oak-aging.
8 Sweet Wines
These wines are known to have strong aromas and will tickle your nose as you sip. They are the oldest varieties and Queens of Egypt were said to enjoy sweet wines.
9. Rose’ Wines
Rose wines can be sweet or dry and can be white or red wines depending on the grapes used in the process. Originally only red grapes were used to make rose’ wines and the maker would decide how deep the color of the wine by allowing the grapes to ferment longer if going for a rich red or just briefly to create the classic pink rose most people know about.
Benefits of Drinking Wine
Like we said before in this article, wine drinking should be done responsibly. There are plenty of benefits of drinking wine.
- Red Wine Reduces High Blood Pressure
Scientists are not sure how red wine works it’s magic but studies have shown that it is full of anti-oxidants which are helpful in reducing inflammation in the body. It is known to reduce blood sugar levels for up to 24 hours so it cannot be used as a substitute to insulin but over time and with good eating habits, it can level out blood pressure .
2. Helps keep depression at bay!
People who are depressed and drink wine find it relaxing and mood enhancing than those who don’t. Excessive drinking of wine can cause a hangover that can dampen your spirits , throw you off your game and make you lethargic. So moderation is key.
3. Keep your weight in check
Oak aged wines such as Chardonnay contain an ingredient that blasts fatty liver cells and make it easier for your body to eliminate waste. So in addition to your workout routine, incorporate oak aged wines and lose weight the easy way.
4. Stay wiser and alert longer
If you are worried about cognitive decline, then drink a glass of red wine at least 3 times a week. Resveratrol which is found in red wines is known to increase a protein called Sirtuins and these are effective in slowing down aging.
So go ahead and sip that glass of wine. Responsibly of course
Cheers
Which is your go to wine and why? Share with me down below:)