The different types of wine

Types of wine by color

The most practical and obvious classification of wines is first and foremost the one made according to their color. 

White wine 

White wines are produced from grapes with white flesh. Moreover, the vast majority of grape varieties used also have light-colored skins, although it is possible to produce white wines from dark-skinned grape varieties. In the latter case, the juice must not come into contact with the skin (no maceration), thus leaving the juice colorless. There is a wide variety of white wines, ranging from light, fresh, and mineral wines to powerful white wines expressing great aromatic richness.

Red wine

Red wines are made from grapes with white flesh but red or black skins. Indeed, it is only the maceration between the grape juice and their skins that will give a red color to the wine. 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 deep and intense purple. There are both light and easy-drinking red wines as well as very powerful reds.

Rosé wine 

Rosé wines, on the other hand, are necessarily made from red grape varieties. Just like red wines, it is therefore the maceration (here much shorter) that will give a slight hue ranging from pale salmon to intense pink to the wine produced. It is also possible to produce rosé Champagne by blending white juices with a small proportion of red wine. Rosé wines are generally refreshing and therefore ideal for the summer season. Note that  some rosés can display great aromatic complexity as well as a lot of character.

Orange wine

Orange wines are white wines vinified like red wines. As a result, 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 hue. Very interesting aromatically, orange wines can be produced from many varieties such as Muscat, Gewurztraminer, or Chardonnay. These often have a slight tannic structure and pair very well with cheeses or spicy dishes.

Yellow wine

An iconic nectar from 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 un-topped oak barrels (the evaporation of the wine is never compensated, thus leaving part of the barrel free for oxygen). This unique aging process gives yellow wine aromas of dried fruits (almond, walnut, hazelnut, etc.) with incredible persistence as well as an impressive body. You either love it or hate it, but you cannot be indifferent to it !

The types of wine according to sugar content

Another common way to classify wines is according to their sugar content.Please note that this classification applies to wines of all colors (red, white, rosé, orange).

Dry wine

Dry wines may contain a maximum of 4g/L of residual sugar (which is 3g in a 75cl bottle). They represent the vast majority of wines produced worldwide.

Off-dry wine

Off-dry wines contain between 4g/L and 12g/L of residual sugar (which is between 3g and 9g in a 75cl bottle).

Sweet wine 

Sweet wines contain between 12g/L and 45g/L of sugar (which is 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 (which is 33.75g for a 75cl bottle) and can sometimes reach 200g/L or even 300g/L ! These wines are generally reserved for dessert, such as Sauternes, Muscat de Rivesaltes, Port, 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 types of wine 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 (that is, 0.75g for a 75cl bottle).

Sparkling wines

They are characterized by the presence of carbon dioxide bubbles, resulting from an additional fermentation in the bottle or in a closed tank. Champagne, Prosecco, and certain 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 can be slightly sparkling (between 1 and 2g/L of CO2), semi-sparkling (2 to 4g/L of CO2), or fully sparkling (CO2 above 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.

The types of wine according to the cultivation method

The method of vine cultivation can also influence the character and flavors of the wine.

Wines from conventional agriculture

Here, winegrowers can use chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to maximize vine yield. In addition, many additives to correct possible defects in a wine can be used during winemaking. This method is often criticized for its potential impact on the environment and health.

Wines from sustainable agriculture

Most winemakers today define themselves as practicing this type of agriculture. It is part of conventional agriculture, but the goal here is to optimize production while controlling the amount of inputs in the wines as well as the chemical substances used in the vineyard. The aim is therefore to find a balance between economic reality and respect for the environment. Depending on your point of view, this type of agriculture can be seen as greenwashing or as a positive step forward before sometimes moving on to organic.

Organic wines organic

Organic farming favors the use of environmentally friendly agricultural methods, thus excluding chemical products. The vines are cultivated here using natural fertilizers as well as pest and disease control techniques that preserve ecological balance. Although there are many limitations to this method, wines from organic farming stand out for their more natural character and their expression of the terroir.

Biodynamic wines

Biodynamic farming builds on the principles of organic farming by going even further.This approach indeed incorporates esoteric and spiritual principles based on respect for lunar rhythms and cosmic forces to guide agricultural practices. Specific preparations made from plants, minerals, and compost are, for example, used to stimulate soil fertility and strengthen the health of the vines. Biodynamic wines often reflect great vitality and a distinct aromatic depth.

Natural wines

The natural culture, also known as "natural wine", is an agricultural approach where human intervention is kept to a minimum. The vines are therefore grown without chemicals, fermentation is carried out with indigenous yeasts present on the grapes, and no additives are used during winemaking. Natural wines are currently a small segment of production but this is gaining in popularity.

If you would like more information on this subject, please feel free to check out our article detailing all the differences between conventional, organic, biodynamic, and natural agriculture!!

The 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 stimulate the appetite, so they are generally light and refreshing.For example, one might think of certain champagnes, rosé wines from Provence, but also red wines from Beaujolais or even white wines from Alsace. The session wines' category of La Cave Éclairée corresponds to this style of wines with great drinkability.

Meal wine

Certain cuvées pair better with food due to their greater aromatic complexity and more substantial structure. Thus, powerful red wines will ideally pair with red meat, while some mineral white wines can ideally be matched with salads, fish, seafood, or fresh cheeses.

Dessert wine

Dessert wines are generally sweet or luscious wines. The high sugar content of these cuvées, as well as their rich and indulgent character, make them a perfect match for this moment of the meal. Note that some sweet wines can also pair perfectly with blue-veined cheeses such as Bleu or Roquefort.

As you will have understood, the world of wine offers an almost infinite variety of styles and characteristics allowing enthusiasts to find cuvées to suit all tastes and occasions.So, whether you prefer full-bodied red wines, sweet white wines, or even rosé wines for aperitifs, you are sure to find what you are looking for at La Cave Éclairée !