Types of wine by color
The most practical and obvious classification of wines is first and foremost the one done according to their color.
White wine
White wines are produced from grapes with white pulp. Moreover, 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), 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 pulp but red or black skin.Indeed, it is solely 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 dark 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 tint ranging from pale salmon to intense rosé to the produced wine.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 express great aromatic complexity as well as a lot of character.
Orange wine
Orange wines are white wines vinified like red wines. Consequently, the white grape juice is left in contact with the skins of the white grape varieties. This short maceration of a few hours will give the produced wines 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.
Vin Jaune
An iconic nectar from the Jura region where it is made 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, leaving part of the barrel free for oxygen). This unique aging process gives Vin Jaune aromas of dried fruits (almond, walnut, hazelnut, etc.) with incredible persistence and a substantial body.You love it or hate it, but you can't be indifferent to it !
Types of wine according to sugar content
Another common way to classify wines is based on their sugar content. Note that this classification applies to wines of all colors (red, white, rosé, orange).
Dry wine
Dry wines can contain a maximum of 4g/L of residual sugars (or 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 sugars (or between 3g to 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 dessert 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, like 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 based on 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 devoid of perceptible carbon dioxide. The CO2 level must be a maximum of 1g/L (or 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 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 carbon dioxide content in a bottle, a wine can be slightly sparkling (between 1 and 2g/L of CO2), sparkling (2 to 4g/L of CO2) or effervescent (CO2 greater than 4.5g/L). The gas content can also be measured in terms of pressure. In this case, the bar is used as a unit: for example, an effervescent wine will exert a pressure of 3 to 6 bars in the bottle.
Types of wine according to the cultivation method
The cultivation method of the vines can also influence the character and flavors of the wine.
Wines in conventional agriculture
Here, winemakers can use chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides to maximize the yield of the vines.Furthermore, numerous inputs to correct potential wine defects can be used in winemaking. This method is often criticized for its potential impact on the environment and health.
Wines in 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 to find a balance between economic reality and environmental respect. Depending on the perspective, this agriculture can be seen as greenwashing or as a positive evolution before sometimes transitioning to organic.
Organic Wines
Organic farming prioritizes the use of environmentally friendly agricultural methods, thus excluding chemical products. The vines are cultivated using natural fertilizers and pest and disease control techniques that preserve the ecological balance. Although there are many limitations to this method, wines from organic farming are distinguished by their more natural character and expression of the terroir.
Biodynamic Wines
Biodynamic farming builds on organic principles by going even further.Indeed, this incorporates esoteric and spiritual principles based on respecting the lunar rhythms and cosmic forces to guide agricultural practices. Specific preparations made from plants, minerals, and compost are used, for example, to stimulate soil fertility and enhance the health of the vines. Biodynamic wines often reflect great vitality and a distinct aromatic depth.
Natural wines
Natural wine culture, also known as "natural wine," is an agricultural approach where human interventions are minimized. The vines are thus cultivated without chemicals, fermentation occurs with indigenous yeasts present on the grapes, and no additives are used during winemaking.Natural wines are currently a small segment of production, but they are gaining in popularity. If you would like more information on this topic, feel free to visit 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.One can think, for example, of certain champagnes, rosé wines from Provence, but also red wines from Beaujolais or even white wines from Alsace. The category vin de copains of
Meal wine
Some 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 paired with salads, fish, seafood, or fresh cheeses.
Dessert Wine
Dessert wines are generally sweet or fortified wines. The high sugar content of these wines, along with their rich and indulgent character, makes them a perfect match for this part of the meal. Note that some sweet wines can also pair perfectly with blue-veined cheeses like Bleu or Roquefort.
You will have understood, the world of wine offers an almost infinite variety of styles and characteristics allowing enthusiasts to find vintages that match all tastes and occasions ! So, whether you prefer full-bodied red wines, sweet white wines, or aperitif rosés, you will surely find your happiness at
