Explore the World of Red Wines Beyond the Full-Bodied Cabernet

Things tend to rot and wither away as they age, except wine. There are several styles of wine that keep improving the longer they sit on your wine racks. However, when it comes to red wines, most people tend to stick to full-bodied favorites like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. If you belong to that segment, it’s time to explore something new. 

Sure, you can appreciate good wine without knowing much about it. If it tastes and smells nice, it is good wine. However, as you get into the nuances of different styles of red wine, you’re armed with the knowledge to appreciate its complexities and create perfect custom wine racks in Houston, Texas, and other cities like Bellaire, Conroe, and Katy for showing off your collection.

Fortunately, you also have reliable wine rack makers like Wine Cellars of Houston, who can craft anything according to your requirements.

Things You Should Know About Red Wines

1. Red Wines Come in a Range of Flavor Options

Red wines offer a diverse range of flavor profiles, thereby catering to a variety of people. These flavors can vary from fruity notes like berries and plums to spicy notes like pepper and cinnamon. The taste and aroma are influenced by the grape variety and the aging process.

2. Red Wine has Great Food Pairing Versatility

Another thing about red wine is that it pairs well with a wide variety of dishes. Lighter red wines like Pinot Noir complement poultry and fish, while bold reds like Cabernet Sauvignon are perfect with red meats, stews, and aged cheeses.

3. Buying Tips

When buying red wine, consider your budget and the food you’ll be pairing it with. Read the labels to learn about the grape variety, origin, and vintage. Also, if you feel confused and overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask for recommendations from a wine expert.

4. Discovering New Regions for Red wine

Not just that, but if you start to explore, there are many new red wine regions to expand your palate. Other than the classic regions like Bordeaux and Napa Valley, consider trying wines from up-and-coming areas like Argentina (Malbec), Spain (Tempranillo), or South Africa (Pinotage) for unique tastes

Different Types of Red Wines

1. Pinot Noir

Reputed for its delicate flavors of red berries and earthy notes, Pinot Noir is a classic example of light-to-medium bodied red wines, and is manufactured in the U.S, France, Germany, Italy Australia, and New Zealand. It is a great choice if you’re looking for red wines other than cabernet.

2. Cabernet Sauvignon

A full-bodied wine, also referred to as ‘the King of red wines,’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes loaded with rich dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and notes of cedar or blackcurrant.

3. Malbec

Originating from France but flourishing in Argentina, Malbec packs a bold, and punchy fruit-forward profile and is popular for its rich and approachable character. If you’re in search of the best red wines without cabernet, Malbec can be the ideal choice.

4. Gamay

Gamay produces vibrant and fruity wines with bright acidity and flavors of cherry and raspberry, making it another excellent choice among light-bodied red wines.

5. Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo happens to be a medium-bodied red wine, and offers complex notes of cherry, rose, and raspberries. It might look like a Pinot Noir to the common people, but delivers more complex flavors.

Let’s explore all the styles of red wine:

1. Full-Bodied

Full bodied wines must be reserved for the bold and experienced. They are crafted for enthusiasts who have already savored other types of red wine. Unfortunately, most get introduced to the world of wines with these bold flavors. While enthusiasts set up their wine racks with an emphasis on these bottles, beginners aren’t usually receptive to the high amount of tannins in full-bodied reds like Cabernets, Malbec and Shiraz. 

They are also high in alcohol content and have rich flavors like cedar, tobacco, and cherry. Their rich flavors are perfect for an exciting night and go perfectly with heavy meals like steak dinners. Since full-bodied reds are best served at 65 degrees Fahrenheit, they are perfect for the Texas weather and don’t require an extensive cooling custom wine storage setup. We recommend customizing this to your heart’s content since there are no restrictions on wine cellar rack designs with full-bodied reds.

2. Medium-bodied

Medium-bodied reds age gracefully under the right conditions and are perfect for food pairings. That’s why they are very common in wine cocktails. All full-bodied reds can’t be put in the same category either, since they vary in flavor and aroma drastically. However, all of the renowned medium-bodied wines like Pinot Noir, Merlot, Grenache, and Sangiovese have distinct earthy flavors along with fruity notes of cherry and plum. We have built custom wood wine racks in Houston, Texas and other cities like Kingwood, Texas City, Tomball Place to store them at the perfect angle and age them optimally. 

3. Light Bodied and Rose Wine

Light-bodied reds are known for their almost translucent appearance, credit to the low tannins. They are perfect for beginners who like strong fruity notes in their wine. On the other hand, rose wines are lighter to the point of being almost clear and get their color from grape skins. If you want to start with these bottles and grow your collection in the future, it’s best to choose a modular wine racking system. 

 

Whether you are new to the world of wine or a seasoned connoisseur, if you want metal wine racks or an entire cellar to build or grow your collection, Wine Cellars of Houston has you covered.

Reach out to us by dialing 281-787-0783 or write to us at info@winecellarsofhouston.com with your requirements.   

FAQs:

1. What’s the difference between cabernet and red wine?

Cabernet Sauvignon is a distinct type of red wine grape variety, known for its bold tannins and flavors. On the other hand, red wine is a comprehensive category that contains diverse grape varieties, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah/Shiraz, and others. So, basically, Cabernet Sauvignon is a separate style of red wine, whereas red wine is a broader term that covers an expansive range of flavors and styles.

2. What red wine is not full-bodied?

Some red wines that are considered light- to medium-bodied include Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, and Grenache-based wines.

3. What type of red wine is best?

The best type of red wine depends on the occasion, food pairing, and personal taste. If you want bold flavors, choose a Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. If you want lighter flavors, choose Beaujolais or Pinot Noir. If you want fruity accents, go for Grenache or Merlot.

4. How long does red wine keep once opened?

Light-bodied red wines last 1 to 3 days after opening. Medium-bodied reds last 3 to 5 days after opening. Full-bodied reds last 5 to 7 days after opening.