It’s no secret that wine is a complex subject. With so many different grape varietals, regions and ageing methods, it can take a lot of work to keep track of all the terminology and concepts.
But don’t worry—we’re here to help! We’ll outline the eight wine styles you need to know right now.
Whether a beginner or an experienced wine lover, these eight styles will give you a solid foundation for understanding and enjoying wine.
The 8 Wine Styles to Know Right Now
1. Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine is available in various styles, from traditional to modern. Traditional styles include Champagne, which is produced in the Champagne region of France and follows very strict production methods; Prosecco, made with Glera grapes and has a light, refreshing flavour; and Moscato d’Asti, which has a low-alcohol content and is characterised by its sweet taste.
On the other hand, modern styles are becoming increasingly popular with oenophiles worldwide. Cava, produced in Spain using traditional champagne-making methods, is one of these new styles; Crémant d’Alsace, made with Alsatian grapes and produced in the same manner as Champagne, is another.
2. Light-Bodied White Wine
Light-bodied white wines are generally delicate, crisp, and refreshing. They often have aromas of floral notes, citrus fruits such as lemons, limes and oranges, green apples, and tropical fruits like pineapple or passionfruit. These wines typically have a light to medium body and higher acidity levels than other styles.
Common grape varieties used to make light-bodied white wines include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio/Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer and Moscato. Light-bodied white wines are ideal for pairing with a variety of dishes. They pair well with lighter fare, such as salads, grilled seafood, and lighter pasta dishes.
These wines are also great for sipping on their own or as an aperitif before meals. These wines tend to be lower in alcohol content and can be enjoyed both young and aged. As they age, light-bodied white wines will typically gain complexity while still maintaining their delicate aromas and flavours.
3. Full-Bodied White Wine
Full-bodied white wines have a substantial presence on the palate, meaning they have a fuller body and higher alcohol content than other white wine styles. They can range from dry to sweet and can be described as rich, creamy, smooth, complex, and full of flavour.
Popular varieties for making full-bodied white wines include Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Viognier, Semillon and Roussanne. Each of these grapes can provide intense aromas of tropical fruits when aged in oak barrels, such as mango and papaya.
Full-bodied whites also often have notes of butter, vanilla, toast and toasted nuts. Full-bodied white wines pair well with richer foods, such as creamy pasta, roasted meats and stronger cheeses. These wines are also great for sipping when you want something more substantial than a lighter white or rosé.
4. Aromatic (sweet) White Wine
Aromatic (sweet) white wine styles are characterised by their light body, high acidity and a range of aromas. They can be fruity, floral or herbal with hints of honey or tropical fruit characters.
The sweetness of these wines is derived from the residual sugar left after fermentation, which is usually lower than in other wine styles. The most common grapes used to make aromatic (sweet) white wines include Muscat, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Chenin Blanc.
Each grape provides a unique set of flavours and aromas that create a distinct character for each wine. Muscat wines are generally known for having intense floral and citrus aromas with hints of honey on the palate. Gewürztraminer offers a more intense aromatic profile, including lychee, rose petal and white pepper notes.
5. Rosé Wine
Rosé wines come in various styles, from dry and savoury to light and sweet. Dry rosés are made with dark-skinned wine grapes like Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. These wines have intense fruit flavours, such as strawberry and raspberry, with a crisp acidity that gives them structure.
Light and sweet rosés are made from lighter-skinned grapes such as Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, and Gamay. These wines tend to be lighter in body with a pleasing sweetness balanced by the wine’s acidity. Rosé wines can also have a slightly sparkling quality due to residual sugar in the wine.
Sparkling rosés are light and refreshing, with flavours of strawberry, peach, and melon. No matter the style of rosé, they all make an excellent accompaniment to various foods and summer activities.
6. Light-Bodied Red Wine
Light-bodied red wines are usually considered the most versatile and food-friendly of all wine styles. They typically feature a lighter ruby colour, with subtle aromas and flavours of strawberries, cherries, and other bright red fruits.
These wines often have moderate tannin levels, making them perfect for pairing with poultry, pork, and most fish dishes. Their delicate structure makes them an ideal choice for sipping on their own. Examples of light-bodied red wines include Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache, and Valpolicella.
7. Medium-Bodied Red Wine
Medium-bodied red wines are the perfect combination of full-bodied and light-bodied wines. These styles balance bold, complex flavours and lighter, fruitier notes. They tend to have medium tannins, making them more approachable than some of their heavier counterparts.
Common varieties of medium-bodied red wines include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Tempranillo. Each of these varieties has unique characteristics that contribute to the overall flavour profile of the wine. Merlot tends to be soft and juicy with dark fruit flavours like black cherry and plum.
Medium-bodied red wines are perfect for pairing with a variety of dishes. They can stand up to heartier proteins like steak and are also great with pasta dishes or roasted vegetables. They can also be enjoyed on their own or with a light cheese plate.
8. Full-Bodied Red Wine
Full-bodied red wines are an excellent choice for many occasions and pair well with hearty dishes. These robust wines usually have bold flavours such as ripe fruit, dark chocolate, leather, and earthy notes. They often feature high tannins that can add a slight astringency to the taste.
Many full-bodied red wines are aged in oak barrels, giving them additional complexity and flavour. Popular full-bodied red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Syrah/Shiraz, Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Tempranillo.
These wines are typically from a warmer region or climate and can potentially age for a longer period. It is important to choose the right wine for your occasion and food pairing, as full-bodied red wines can be quite powerful in flavour.
Wine to Suit any Tastes
Being able to order wine with confidence at a restaurant or bar can be empowering. It also opens you up to trying new wines that you may not have otherwise ordered.
The next time you’re feeling lost when faced with a wine list, remember these eight styles of wine, and you’ll be sure to find something that suits your tastes.
