Types of Wine And Their Uses

There are many different types of wines available in the market. Wine is an alcoholic beverage which is made from fruits like grapes, apple, barley, ginger, berries, etc and wines names are based on the fruit content in the wine. Grapes are commonly used for ming wines. Wine flavor and type is determined by the specific grape variety. Many wines are combinations of one or two grape varieties.

Types of wine are-

• White Wine - There are many type of white wines which are made by growing and processing white grapes. White wine grapes are grown in different regions of world and usually found in the places like France, Germany and Italy. The most commonest type of white wine grapes are Chardonnay which is grown widely in the European continent. Chardonnay produces most complex wine in the world. Mostly they are golden and velvety with hint of nuts, fruits or vanilla. It gives medium to high acidic taste. White wine is not white in color but it usually yellow or golden in color.

• Red Wine - All red wines are made by growing and processing black or red grapes. Red wine grapes are grown commonly in California, Washington, New York, Oregon, Italy and France. Mostly red wine grapes produce complex wines because These grapes stay on vine for longer time, skin remains in contact with their juice giving red wine its color, flavor and tannin. The most commonest type of red wine grapes grown is Barbera grown in Italy. It is commonly useful as blending wine. It gives       acidic taste with light tannins.                                                                  
  Uses of Red Wine - Red wine contains a chemical called Resveratrol which has ability to protect the heart as seen in the animal studies. Resveratrol is produced naturally by grape skins. Studies have shown that low to moderate consumption of red wine reduces the chances of heart disease and stroke as it reduces the saturated fats in the blood vessels and reduces the blood clotting. But the excess consumption of wines causes heart failure, liver cirrhosis and even death. Red wine contains more polyphenols than white wines and hence red wines are considered as more health effective than white wine.

Religious uses of wine - In Christianity, wine is considered as sacred and used in many religious ceremonies. Wine is considered as Last Supper where Jesus shared wine and bread with his followers and ordered them to do so in his remembrance. Hence in church, bread and wine is very commonly offered after the prayers.

In other religions wine is not considered as sacred and forbidden.

How to store wine?

• Wine should be stored at the temperature of 5⁰ to 15⁰ C. There should not be any temperature fluctuations as air may enter the wine bottle and wine may loose its freshness and taste.
• Do not store wine in bright light or sunlight.
• Keep the wine away from other storage items which has strong smell like detergents or any chemicals.
• Most of the wines if stored at proper temperature can be consumed till 2 years.

Wines are not bad for our health if consumed in low quantity. If a person is not wine drinker then do not start drinking wines. If person is heavy wine or alcoholic drinker then reduce the quantity of wine to low, it will not have harmful effect on your health. Pregnant women should not consume wine or any alcohol.

• Written by Sheetal Kamble.
• In category General Reference.
• 12 years ago.

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