Weight and body: know the styles of red wine in mouth

Possibly you are aware that one of the most common categorizations of red wines has to do with wine grapes, some of the typical being Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, Syrah, Pinot Noir, to name a few.

However, if you have recently wondered how many types of red wine there are, you may want to know that there are other ways to divide and understand them. One of these has to do with the styles of red wine and the sensations they produce in the mouth. Here, the concepts of weight and body are fundamental.

Learn about the types of red wine and their characteristics below, so that you can choose the style that best suits your tastes.

Body and weight of the wines

There is probably a reason why you like certain variety of red wine, and it has to do with their body and weight. But what exactly do these two concepts mean?

Wine body: This is related to the degree of sensations you experience when it enters your mouth, and is influenced by factors such as alcohol degree, tannins, anthocyanins, glycerin, the type of barrel, among others. The common thing is that red wines have more body than whites. It is a very common concept in the world of wines.

Weight of the wine: For its part, the weight has to do with the general sensation of the wine in the mouth. This concept is less common than body and is also much more literal: does the wine feel heavier or lighter once tasted? The amount of extract and alcohol influence the weight of the wine. The higher the proportion of the latter, the greater the weight.

In summary, the weight of the wine is one of the many qualities that will determine the body of the wine. Both are very important when deciding what to pair the wine with.

Types of red wine and their characteristics in the mouth

These are some of the most common categories when we talk about the body of red wine.

Light-bodied red wines

Both the tannins and the alcohol level tend to be rather low. An example is the Cono Sur Pinot Noir, with a light weight on the palate, balanced, and ruby red, with aromas that evoke red fruits and flowers.

For pairing it goes well with bluefish and shellfish, semi-cured cheese and white meats, such as chicken or turkey. Remember to serve it at  14 ° C.

Medium-bodied red wines

These are pleasant and fresh wines on the palate. The alcoholic strength of medium-bodied reds varies between 13° and 14,5° . Red wine strains such as Carmenere, Malbec, and Merlot are medium-bodied examples.

For pairing, consider accompanying these types of wines with Mediterranean dinners, such as pizza or Greek salads. Pasta and snacks with charcuterie  will not disappoint you.

Red wines with firm or intense body

Also known simply as full-bodied wines, these types of reds are characterized by having a broad presence and a persistent reach on the palate. Its color tends to be rather dark, and on the nose notes of raspberry, plum and sweet spices will stand out. An example is the Cabernet Sauvignon wine from Cono Sur, with a good structure and an elegant finish.

For pairing, consider lean dishes, high-protein dishes; Beef and even wild boar can be an excellent option. Roasts, grilled meats, stews and other rather heavy dishes are the pairing for this style of wine.

Now that you know how many types of red wines there are, dare yourself to taste the best wines in Cono Sur, and discover on your own which body you like the most in mouth and which foods accompany it best.