What is the first thing that people notice about red wine?  The color of course!  It is the rich red color.  Did you know that red wine is produced from grapes that are not only red but purple and blue as well?  The many different varietals of red wine give it names like “dark red, light red, almost black, maroon, deep violet, and burgundy”.  That list could expand to include many more descriptors, but most of all we love the romance and taste of reds.  It has become a part of our culture to see people in the movies in intimate settings drinking red wine.  In part, this is due to its color, the color that represents love, but also for the rich bold flavor that reminds us of love and romance.

Popular reds are Shiraz, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet.  The list could continue for another few sentences, but the important thing to remember is that each wine will be made from a different grape or many different varietals of grapes.  Knowing what grape can be grown in what region depends on the longitude line the region falls on.  Many grapes that made Italy famous are also grown in places like Michigan in the United States.  The longitude line will dictate the climate in which a grape can be grown.  If where you live falls on or near the same line that a famous grape growing region does, you too can grown the same varietals and maybe become famous yourself.

Pairing food with wine is an important part of the whole experience.  Red wine is versatile, but there are some definite rules to follow.  Rule number one should always be, if you like the taste of the wine, then drink it.  Apart from that there are some other guidelines that can be followed to make the experience the best one possible.  For instance, reds should never be paired with mild cheeses.  Mild cheeses are always great with white wines.  Strong cheese on the other hand is perfect for red wine and can be paired with just about any red available.  In fact many cheese spreads are mixed with Port or Merlot which is to die for.  Pastas with cream sauces and seafood will never pair well with red wine.  Pasta with red sauce however will taste lovely with a nice red like Zinfandel or Merlot.  Unfortunately Asian food is another pairing you shouldn’t make with reds.  Poultry should only be paired with Beaujolais and pork with only Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.  The good news is that beef was made for pairing with reds and you should feel free to pair almost any red with beef except for Port or Beaujolais.  It is the robustness and full flavor that makes red pairing with red meat so perfect.  Surprisingly, chocolate is a perfect companion for Port, Cabernet or Merlot.

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