Wine comes in a wide range of flavors, colors, and styles, making it one of the most versatile beverages in the world. For beginners, learning about the different types of wine can enhance the drinking experience and help you discover what you enjoy most. Here’s an overview of the main types of wine, including red, white, rosé, orange, dessert, fortified, and even green wine.

1. Red Wine

Red wine is made from dark-skinned grapes and is known for its rich, bold flavors. Red wines typically have more tannins, which give them structure and a slightly drying sensation. Common red wines include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its deep flavor and structure, with notes of black currant and spice.

• Merlot: Softer and fruitier, with flavors of plum, berry, and chocolate.

• Pinot Noir: Light-bodied and delicate, often with cherry, raspberry, and earthy notes.

Red wine is often paired with hearty dishes like steak, lamb, or rich pasta sauces due to its bold flavors and tannins.

2. White Wine

White wine is usually made from green or yellow grapes and is typically lighter, with flavors that range from crisp and citrusy to rich and buttery. Common white wines include:

• Chardonnay: Known for its versatility, ranging from light and citrusy to full-bodied and oaky.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, with notes of green apple, lime, and sometimes herbal aromas.

• Riesling: A highly aromatic grape, Riesling can range from dry to sweet, with flavors of apricot, peach, and floral notes.

White wine pairs well with lighter foods like seafood, salads, and chicken dishes.

3. Rosé Wine

Rosé wine gets its pink color from minimal skin contact with red grapes during the winemaking process. Known for its light and refreshing flavors, rosé is often enjoyed chilled and is ideal for summer. Popular styles of rosé come from Provence (France), known for its dry and delicate flavors, and Spain, where rosés often have a bit more body and berry flavors. Rosé pairs well with a range of foods, including salads, seafood, and grilled dishes.

4. Orange Wine

Orange wine is made from white grapes that are fermented with their skins, similar to how red wines are made. This gives orange wine its unique color and fuller body, along with complex flavors that can include notes of honey, herbs, and dried fruit. Orange wine has gained popularity for its bold flavors and is often paired with dishes that feature spices or complex flavors, like Middle Eastern or Moroccan cuisine.

5. Dessert Wine

Dessert wines are typically sweet wines made to pair with or serve as a dessert. These wines have higher sugar levels, giving them a rich and indulgent taste. Popular dessert wines include:

• Port: A fortified wine from Portugal, known for its rich, sweet, and full-bodied flavor.

• Moscato: Known for its floral and fruity aromas, Moscato is often slightly sparkling and easy to enjoy.

• Sauternes: A sweet wine from France with flavors of honey, apricot, and peach.

Dessert wines pair well with sweets, fruits, and rich cheeses.

6. Fortified Wine

Fortified wines have a higher alcohol content due to the addition of distilled spirits, usually brandy, during or after fermentation. This process gives fortified wines their unique character and often longer shelf life. Types of fortified wines include:

• Sherry: From Spain, ranging from dry to sweet, with nutty and caramelized flavors.

• Port: Sweet and full-bodied, commonly enjoyed after meals.

• Madeira: Known for its nutty, complex flavors, Madeira is produced in Portugal’s Madeira Islands.

Fortified wines are often enjoyed as aperitifs or after-dinner drinks and pair well with desserts, nuts, and strong cheeses.

7. Green Wine (Vinho Verde)

Green wine, or Vinho Verde, comes from Portugal and translates to “green wine” but refers more to its youthful, fresh quality rather than its color. Vinho Verde is typically light, slightly fizzy, and refreshing, with flavors of lime, green apple, and sometimes slight effervescence. This wine is usually enjoyed young and is perfect for pairing with light dishes, such as salads, seafood, and tapas.