Cheers to a Red Holiday
By Wanda Haynes, Certified Sommelier
Happy holidays to all the wine lovers and cheers to a great glass of red wine.
Cabernet sauvignon is one of the world’s most widely recognized dry red wines. It is grown in every major wine producing country. Cabernet sauvignon is full-bodied with medium acidity, tight structure, and a dark garnet color. A cabernet will taste slightly different depending on the country where it was grown and produced. Also, it is sold in half bottles and produced as a rosé.
California cabernet sauvignon has tastes of tobacco, cassis, currants, blackberry, and sage. Be sure the bottle reads 100% cabernet sauvignon, and it isn’t a blend of several other varietals. Cabernet sauvignon is known for having assertive tannins that mellow with age.
This wine is a true partner for a rib eye steak dinner with all the trimmings this holiday season. Be sure to have several bottles on hand this year for drop-in guests that love a glass of Cab.
Pinot noir is the world’s most popular light-bodied, dry red wine. It's one of the noble grapes of France and is prized for its high acidity and low tannins.
However, the Willamette Valley in Oregon has over 800 wineries and produces exceptional Pinot noir, with earthy, cranberry tastes that embrace elegance and style. Pinot noir is a safe choice to take to a holiday dinner party when unsure of the menu, and it is also produced in rosé and Pinot blanc.
Many companies are producing Pinot noir in half bottles; this offers more options, a chance to try a new wine, and makes a charming gift for co-workers and loved ones.
Merlot is a dry, medium-bodied red wine with tastes of black cherry, baking spices, cocoa powder, and cassis. The most planted wine grape in Bordeaux, France, the name merlot roughly translates “little blackbird” and is one of the noble grapes of France.
Merlot pairs beautifully with double-cut pork chops, lasagna, and homemade vegetable stew. Be sure to purchase a bottle that is 100% merlot and not a blend. Merlot is also produced in Chile and Washington State at a fair price. A white merlot is a rosé with a pretty pink color and tastes of strawberries, watermelon, and bright citrus.
Zinfandel is a low tannin, dry red wine made from zinfandel grapes. The individual grapes don’t all ripen at the same time and the cluster isn’t harvested until all the grapes are fully ripened. This harvesting practice gives the wine a “fruit forward” taste. It pairs well with honey and savory baked ham.
Some zinfandels are blended with other grape varietals; be sure the bottle reads 100% zinfandel. A white zinfandel is simply a rosé, and tastes of raspberries, ripened strawberries, watermelon, rhubarb, and fresh-cut lemons. Pair it with barbecue-glazed chicken or shrimp with grits for a more rustic holiday meal.
California has made zinfandel a household name, and over 10% of the vineyards are zinfandel grapes. Lodi, California produces a fine zinfandel for a value price. The late harvest version of zinfandel is a sweet rich red wine generally sold in half bottles and tastes amazing with time-honored family dessert recipes.
Tannins are an important factor of a red wine, and no red wine conversation should be held without mentioning tannins. Polyphenols is the scientific word for the compounds of tannins.
The seeds, skins, and stems are soaked in the grape juice just after the grapes have been pressed which, along with the oak barrels, create tannins. Tannins provide a “wine’s pucker power,” and generally are more dominant in younger red wines. This is why red wines shouldn’t be consumed too young.
Tannins provide texture and mouthfeel to wine as well as a sense of weight. Hold a small puddle of red wine on the middle of the tongue and decide if the wine is light, medium, or full bodied. Permitting red wine to breathe adequately and swirling the wine in the glass will help tame wild tannins. Dry red wines with low tannins pair beautifully with milk and dark chocolate.
Give the gift of wine to adult loved ones this holiday season and wish everyone a happy New Year!
Wanda Haynes is a Sommelier and wine educator living her best life in Ohio. She loves parties, fine dining, gourmet chocolate, and a great glass of wine.