Types of wine by color
The most practical and obvious classification of wines is first of all that being done according to their color.
White wine
White wines are produced from grapes with white pulp. In addition, the vast majority of grape varieties used also have light skin, although it is possible to produce white wines from black-skinned grape varieties. In the latter case, the juice must not come into contact with the skin (no maceration) , leaving the juice colorless. There is a wide variety of white wines ranging from light, fresh and mineral wine to powerful white wine expressing great aromatic richness.
Red wine
Red wines are made from grapes with white pulp but red or black skin. Indeed, It is only the maceration between the juice of the grapes and their skins which will give a wine red color . Depending on the duration of this maceration (from a few hours to several days) and the grape variety used, this color can range from very pale ruby to a dark and intense purple. There are both light and easy-drinking red wines and very powerful reds.
Rosé wine
Rosé wines are, for their part, necessarily made from red grape varieties . Just like red wines, it is therefore the maceration (here much shorter) which will give a light tint ranging from pale salmon to intense rosé to the wine produced. It is also possible to produce rosé Champagne by mixing white juices with a small proportion of red wine. Rosé wines are generally refreshing and therefore ideal for the summer period. Note that Some rosés can express great aromatic complexity as well as a lot of character.
Orange wine
Orange wines are white wines vinified like red wines . Therefore, the white juice of the grapes is left in contact with the skins of the white grape varieties. This short maceration of a few hours will give the wines produced an orange tint. Very interesting aromatically, orange wines can be produced from many varieties such as Muscat, Gewurztraminer or Chardonnay. These often have a light tannic structure and go very well with cheeses or spicy dishes.
Yellow wine
An emblematic nectar of the Jura region where it is produced from the Savagnin grape variety, this unique wine is aged for at least six years and three months in unfilled oak barrels (the evaporation of the wine is never compensated, thus leaving a part of the barrel free for oxygen). This unique aging process gives the yellow wine aromas of dried fruits (almond, walnut, hazelnut, etc.) of incredible persistence as well as an imposing substance. We love it or we hate it, but we cannot be insensitive to it. !
Types of wine according to sugar content
Another common way to classify wines is by their sugar content. Note that this classification applies to wines of all colors (red, white, rosé, orange).
Dry wine
Dry wines can only contain a maximum of 4g/L of residual sugars (i.e. 3g in a 75cl bottle). They represent the vast majority of wines produced in the world.
Semi-dry wine
Semi-dry wines are wines containing between 4g/L and 12g/L of residual sugars (i.e. between 3g and 9g in a 75cl bottle).
Sweet wine
Sweet wines contain between 12g/L and 45g/L of sugar (i.e. between 9g and 33.75g for a 75cl bottle).
Sweet or liqueur wine
These are the wines with the highest sugar content on the market. They contain at least 45g/L (i.e. 33.75g for a 75cl bottle) and can sometimes reach 200g/L or even 300g/L. ! These are wines generally reserved for dessert, like Sauternes, Muscat de Rivesaltes, Porto or even Maury and Banyuls.
Types of wine according to carbon dioxide content
It is also possible to classify wines according to their carbon dioxide content. This proportion of gas will then define their effervescence. All wines are concerned here (white, red, rosé, etc.).
Still wines
These are wines without any perceptible carbon dioxide. The CO2 level here must be a maximum of 1g/L (i.e. 0.75g for a 75cl bottle).
Sparkling wines
They are characterized by the presence of carbon dioxide bubbles, resulting from additional fermentation in the bottle or in a closed tank. Champagne, Prosecco or even some Vouvray are famous examples of sparkling wines. These wines are often enjoyed during celebrations or as a festive aperitif.
It should be noted that depending on the level of carbon dioxide present in a bottle, a wine may be pearling (between 1 and 2g/L of CO2), sparkling (2 to 4g/L of CO2) or sparkling (CO2 greater than 4.5g/L). The gas level can also be measured in terms of pressure. We will then use the bar as a unit : for example, a sparkling wine will exert a pressure of 3 to 6 bars in the bottle.
Types of wine according to the cultivation method
The method of growing vines can also influence the character and flavors of the wine.
Wines in conventional agriculture
Winemakers can use chemical fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides here to maximize the yield of the vines. In addition, many inputs to correct possible defects in a wine can be used in winemaking. This method is often criticized for its potential impact on the environment and health.
Wines in sustainable agriculture
Most winegrowers today define themselves as practicing this type of agriculture. This is part of conventional agriculture but the objective here is to optimize production while controlling the quantity of inputs in the wines as well as the chemical substances used in the vineyard. The goal is therefore to finding a balance between economic reality and respect for the environment . Depending on the point of view, we can perceive this agriculture as greenwashing or as a positive development before sometimes switching to organic.
The wines organic
Organic farming favors the use of environmentally friendly agricultural methods , thus excluding chemicals. The vines are cultivated here using natural fertilizers as well as pest and disease control techniques that preserve the ecological balance. Although there are many limitations to this method, organic wines are distinguished by their more natural character and their expression of the terroir.
The wines biodynamic
Biodynamic culture takes the principles of organic farming and goes even further . This in fact integrates esoteric and spiritual principles based on respect for lunar rhythms and cosmic forces to guide agricultural practices. Specific preparations based on plants, minerals and compost are used, for example, to stimulate soil fertility and strengthen the health of the vines. Biodynamic wines often reflect great vitality and a distinct aromatic depth.
Natural wines
Natural culture, also known as "natural wine", is an agricultural approach where human interventions are reduced to a minimum . The vines are therefore cultivated without chemicals, fermentation is done with indigenous yeasts present on the grapes, and no additives are used during vinification. Natural wines are today a small fringe of production but this one wins in popularity.
If you would like more information on this subject, please do not hesitate to visit our article detailing all the differences between conventional, organic, biodynamic and natural agriculture !
Types of wine according to the time of consumption
Finally, the time of consumption can also influence the choice of wine.
Aperitif wine
Aperitif wines are intended to whet the appetite, so they are usually light and refreshing . We can for example think of certain champagnes, rosé wines from Provence but also red wines from Beaujolais or even white wines from Alsace. The category wine of friends from La Cave Éclairée corresponds to this style of wines with a great drinkability .
Wine with meal
Some wines pair better with food because of their greater aromatic complexity and their more imposing structure. For example, powerful red wines will pair ideally with red meat, while some mineral white wines will pair ideally with salads, fish, seafood or fresh cheeses.
Dessert wine
Dessert wines are generally sweet or liqueur wines . The high sugar content of these vintages as well as their rich and gourmet character make them a perfect match for this meal. Note that some sweet wines can also pair perfectly with blue cheeses like Bleu or Roquefort.
So you will have understood, The world of wine offers an almost endless variety of styles and characteristics allowing enthusiasts to find vintages to suit all tastes and occasions ! So, whether you prefer full-bodied red wines, sweet white wines or even aperitif rosés, you will definitely find what you are looking for at La Cave Éclairée !
