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Many alcoholic beverages get a bad rap. The U.S. Center for Disease Control warns that drinking too much can lead to high blood pressure, memory problems, and alcohol dependence. But there is good news for those who like to imbibe now and then—especially for those whose drink of choice is red wine. Perhaps, this is one reason wine sales online are increasing. Teetotalers actually have a shorter lifespan than those who drink in moderation, according to a study published in Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. Those who drank moderately—defined as 1 to 3 drinks per day—had the lowest mortality rates. And for red wine drinkers, there are other health benefits. Drinking red wine in moderation lowers the risk of heart disease and stroke. In celebration of the health benefits of a glass of red wine or two, here is a brief list of some of the different types of red wines and their general characteristics. Pinot Noir Though not as rich and dark as other red grapes, Pinot Noir grapes are pale in color and wines produced from these grapes typically offer subtle flavors. Most Pinot Noir wines have a fruity appeal as the grape often expresses cranberry, cherry, or raspberry aromatics with flavors colored by where the grapes are grown and by the aging process. Sommeliers often recommend pairing a good Pinot Noir with grilled salmon, chicken, or lamb. Merlot Slightly darker and richer bodied than the Pinot Noir grape, Merlot wines are often smooth. This versatile grape expresses a variety of different characteristics depending on where and how it's grown. Merlot grapes grown in cooler climates are earthy with hints of tobacco and anise. When grown in warmer climates, sweet tannins generally express fruitier flavors like cherry and chocolate. Because Merlots fall dead center in the spectrum of red wines, it pairs well with a lot of different foods, including light and dark meats. Cabernet Sauvignon This full, dark grape produces many of the world’s finest red wines. Many a full-bodied Cabernet has been aged in oak barrels. In addition to a slight oak or vanilla taste from oak barrel aging, Cabs often express the flavors of black cherry, anise, and black pepper or tobacco. These heavy flavors pair well with red meat. Syrah or Shiraz This hearty grape produces the full-bodied wines. European vintners use the term “syrah” while Australian vintners use the term “shiraz.” This grape also grows well in California and in France. Known for its deep flavor of black currant and overtones of black pepper, these wines typically pair successfully with roasted steak or beef and wild game. Not only do they taste great, but red wines add a dash of good health when used in moderation. This list is not an exhaustive list of red wine varietals, but they are a good starting place for people who are just beginning their journey into the world of wines. Other red wine grape varietals include Malbec, Zinfandel, and Sangiovese. The reds described are some of the most popular and widely available. Those that can’t be found in a local store can be found at wine sales online.
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