The Types of Wines

by Nancy Yos

Overview

The Types of Wines

Most wines for sale in grocery stores come from about a dozen varieties of one grape species, Vitis vinifera, but another species, Vitis labrusca, can also produce wine. Most vinifera wines are made by methods perfected for centuries in Europe, but New World winemakers have developed their own style.
Vinifera

Grapes like Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling and Tempranillo are native to Europe. They make good-tasting wines, each with its own unique flavor.

Labrusca

North America has native grapes, like Concord, but they don't make good wine. Labrusca wines have a uniform, jam-like sweetness.
Sparkling and Fortified

Some wines are specially treated after they are done fermenting to make a new type of wine. Sparkling wines are dosed with more yeast and sugar to produce bubbles, while fortified wines such as port have extra alcohol added to them.
Color

Red grapes are churned up--skins, juice and all--to create red wine. White grapes are gently pressed so the clear juice runs free of the skins and takes on little color.
European and New World styles

European-made wines are traditionally subtle in flavor and low in alcohol. Wines from California and Australia have become "big"--dark colored, lushly fruity and high in alcohol.