Red wine

Red Wines

Red wines, true protagonists of global wine culture, are drinks that have conquered palates throughout history. Characterized by their intense red color, captivating aromas and complex flavors, red wines offer a unique sensory experience. Embark on a journey through the characteristics, production, types, pairing and tasting of these exceptional wines.

What are red wines?

Red wines are alcoholic beverages obtained through the fermentation of the juice of red grapes. Its distinctive red color comes from anthocyanins, natural pigments found in the skin of these grapes. During vinification, the grape skin remains in prolonged contact with the must, thus facilitating the extraction of color, tannins and other compounds that enrich the complexity of the wine.

In addition, red wines offer multiple health benefits to those who consume them, such as improving blood pressure and reducing blood clots, helping to prevent various heart diseases. We can consider red wine as a true gift from nature, rich in polyphenols that benefit our health. More than just an alcoholic beverage, red wine is an elixir that promotes well-being and longevity.

Characteristics of red wines

Red wines are distinguished by a wide range of characteristics that make them unique:

• Color: Its color ranges from ruby red to intense purple, depending on the grape variety, the climate and the production method.

• Aroma: A range of complex aromas ranging from red and black fruits, such as cherries, plums and blackberries, to spices, herbs, leather and tobacco , passing through floral and earthy notes.

• Taste: In the mouth, red wines offer a rich and varied experience. They are characterized by their acidity, which gives them freshness and balance, and their tannins, which provide structure and astringency. The flavor can range from fruity and light to spicy and complex, depending on the type of wine and its maturity.

• Body: It refers to the sensation in the mouth that the wine leaves. It can be light, medium or full-bodied, indicating the concentration of tannins, alcohol and extract in the wine.

Preparation of red wines

  The production of red wine is a process that dates back to 3000 BC so we could say that its preparation is ancient, highlighting and reaching a level of complexity and outstanding quality standards. The production of red wines involves a meticulous process that ranges from the selection of grapes to aging in barrels:

1. Harvest: The grapes are harvested at the optimal moment of ripening, when they have reached the perfect balance between sugar and acidity.

2. Crushed and destemmed: The grapes are shelled and separated from the skins to begin the fermentation process.

3. Fermentation: The must, composed of grape juice and skin, is fermented at controlled temperatures. Yeasts transform sugars into alcohol, releasing CO2 and heat.

4. Pressing: Once the fermentation is complete, the skin is pressed to extract the remaining wine.

5. Devatting: The young wine is separated from the lees, the sediments deposited at the bottom of the tank.

6. Aging: Some red wines undergo a period of aging in oak barrels, providing complexity, aromas and structure to the wine.

7. Bottled and aging: The wine is bottled and, in some cases, undergoes a period of aging in the bottle for maturation and development of aromas .

Types of red wines

The universe of red wines is vast and diverse, offering a wide variety of styles for all tastes:

By grape variety:

There are numerous varieties of red wines, determined by the type of grape used and the region of production. Some of the best known include:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Known for its depth and complexity, with flavors of black cherry, cedar and spices.

• Merlot: Softer and less tannic than Cabernet, with notes of red and black fruits.

• Pinot Noir: Famous for its delicacy and aromas of red fruits such as cherry and raspberry.

• Syrah/Shiraz: Rich and vigorous, with notes of dark berries and spices.

By region:

French red wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Rhône, Italian wines from Tuscany and Piedmont, Spanish wines from Rioja and Ribera del Duero, Chilean wines from the Central Valley and Maipo, Argentine wines from Mendoza, etc.

By upbringing:

Young, without barrel aging; Aging, with a minimum of 2 years in barrels; Reserve, with a minimum of 3 years in barrel; Gran Reserva, with a minimum of 5 years in barrel. Differences between young red wine, oak, Crianza, Reserva and Gran Reserva

• Young red wine is one that has had little or no aging time in barrels, being fresh and fruity.

• The oak red wine has gone through a brief period of aging in barrels, acquiring light notes of wood.

• Canzaro red wine is characterized by having aged at least one year in the barrel and another in the bottle.

• The reserve red wine has had a minimum of three years of aging, with at least one year in the barrel and two in the bottle.

• Gran Reserva red wine is the highest category, with a long aging period, exceeding five years in total.

Red wines from Andalusia

Andalusia is a land famous for its red wines with unique characteristics that reflect the diversity of its terroir. Andalusian red wines are characterized by their flavor, aroma and color, drinks made with the best aging systems that protect the vine from the moment of its cultivation and are responsible for carefully selecting the raw material for what is, one of the best. wines from Spain. Next, we highlight the most relevant designations of origin in the region and the particularities that make Andalusian wines an oenological jewel.

Characteristics of Andalusian red wines

• Native grape varieties such as Tintilla de Rota and Romé, provide uniqueness and tradition to the wines.

• Influence of the warm Mediterranean climate on the ripening of the grapes, giving intensity and body to the red wines.

• High alcohol content and powerful flavors in the wines of Andalusia, ideal for pairing with traditional dishes from the region.

Featured designation of origin in Andalusia

In Andalusia, we find designations of origin internationally recognized for the quality of their red wines:

• DO Jerez-Xérès-Sherry: Famous for its fortified wines such as Palo Cortado and Oloroso, which stand out for their elegance and complexity.

• DO Montilla-Moriles: Known for its wines of the Pedro Ximénez variety, sweet and unctuous, perfect as a dessert or to pair with cheeses.

• DO Sierras de Málaga: Stands out for the production of very high quality red wines, fresh and fruity, which express the influence of the Mediterranean Sea in the area .

A perfect pairing for every occasion

Red wines are excellent companions to food, and their ideal pairing depends on the style of the wine and the characteristics of the dish. Some classic pairings include:

• Red meats: Red wines with body and tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec, are ideal to accompany grilled or roasted red meats.

• Cheese: Mature red wines, such as Rioja or Barolo, combine perfectly with aged and hard cheeses.

• Pasta: Light and fruity red wines, such as Pinot Noir or Gamay, are a good option to accompany pasta with red sauces or ragù.

• Pizzas: Italian red wines, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, are excellent companions for pizzas with savory ingredients such as pepperoni, mushrooms or anchovies.

Red wine tasting

Tasting a red wine is a process that requires attention to various details to fully appreciate its qualities. The steps to taste a red wine correctly are detailed below: Steps to taste a red wine correctly

• Visually observe the wine to appreciate its color, brightness and density.

• Feel the aromas that the wine gives off, identifying fruity, floral or spicy notes.

• Taste the wine in the mouth, paying attention to its texture, acidity, tannins and aftertaste.

• Evaluate the harmony and balance of the wine as a whole, considering its different sensory characteristics

Tips for buying red wine

When choosing a good red wine, it is important to consider various factors that can influence the quality and tasting experience. From the grape variety used to the place of purchase, every detail can make a difference in selecting the ideal bottle.

Factors to take into account when choosing a good red wine

• Grape variety: Knowing the grape varieties used in the production of red wine can provide clues about its flavor and aroma characteristics.

• Denomination of Origin: The regulations of each wine region can guarantee the quality and authenticity of red wine.

• Vintage: The harvest year can influence the evolution and complexity of the red wine, choosing recognized and balanced vintages.

• Aging: Aging in barrels and bottles can provide nuances and structure to red wine, determining its style and character.

Where to buy quality red wines and good deals

In wineries of Andalusia you can find the widest selection of high quality red wines. Wines strictly chosen to offer you the best of the best in one place. And when it comes to the production of red wines, Andalusia leads the way, creating a system where most of its interests revolve around the peculiar form of fermentation of the juice of the grape, in addition to the meticulous system created for the breeding of the vine, creating high-quality products worthy of global acclaim.

Our winery has high quality standards when it comes to red wine, offering a select and wide variety that ranges from the simplest to the finely elaborate, wines with a 100% Spanish seal, made with the best techniques that mix the complexity of science and the simplicity of Andalusian wine art.

A land born to make wines, where each Mound of land has the conditions for the breeding of vines. More than a drink, we could say that they are an experience, a bit of the history of our land served in a glass. Live a unique experience with the best Andalusian red wines, wines that you can only find in one place, Bodegas de Andalucía.