Red Wine
Red wine is the most highly prized of all the wine categories. Red wines are the ones with the most admirers, and they can even attract investors, turning wines into an investment product with excellent returns on capital. What I do know is that it is a category that represents the highest expression of complexity in any wine.
What Is Red Wine?
Red wine is the result of fermenting the must, or juice, of red grapes. It is believed that red grapes were the first grapes to develop from the wild European vine. At some point in time, the vine will have begun to be cultivated by Man, who discovered that its juice turned into wine and that its colour would grow darker the longer it macerated. And so red wine will have been born.
How Is Red Wine Made?
Red wine is made from red grapes, using the fermentation technique known as “curtimenta”. The name of the technique itself tells us a little about how it works. According to the oldest production methods, the red grapes were placed in lagares in order to carry out the curtimenta, or maceration, of the grapes.
Curtimenta is the maceration of the juice obtained by crushing the grapes, whose pulp is mostly white. To achieve the colour of red wines, we need the skins of the grapes, which is where the colour lies, to be steeped together with the juice, or must.
Today, red grapes are harvested and, on arriving at the cellar, are crushed and frequently destemmed (the stalk, or stem, of the bunch is removed) and placed in the lagar or fermentation tank. It is here that maceration takes place, drawing out the colour and flavour and forming some of the aromas the red wine will have.
Fermentation takes around 10 to 14 days, depending on temperature and other factors.
After alcoholic fermentation, the wine and the fermented grapes go to the press, where they are pressed or squeezed to obtain the maximum amount of wine at the best possible quality. From here the wine goes to a tank where a short settling takes place, that is, the separation of the lees from the cleaner part. This stage usually takes 24 to 48 hours.
Next, we move the clean wine to another tank or to barrels, where malolactic fermentation will take place, which in reds is an almost obligatory stage for the long-term stability of the red wine. And that, in broad terms, is how red wine is made. From here, the ageing, or maturation, begins, until it is bottled.
How to Serve Red Wine?
Serving red wine correctly is essential to getting the most out of your tasting experience. Here are a few tips for serving red wine:
Temperature: The ideal temperature for serving red wine varies according to the style of the wine. Generally, lighter red wines should be served between 12°C and 16°C, while full-bodied reds can be served between 16°C and 18°C.
Decanting: Some red wines can benefit from decanting, which is the act of transferring the wine from the bottle into a decanter, allowing it to “breathe” and open up before being served. This can help to bring out the wine’s aromas and flavours.
Suitable glasses: Use red wine glasses with wider bowls, which allow the aromas to be concentrated and appreciated.
Food pairing: Red wine goes well with a variety of foods, such as red meats, cheeses, pasta and more robustly flavoured dishes. Try different combinations to discover your own preferences.
Types of Red Wine
The types of red wine can be grouped into several families. There are so many forms and styles that, so as not to get lost, I will arrange them into just 4 types of red wine.
Light and Fruity Wines
Light, fruity red wines are known for their smoothness and fruity flavours. These wines generally have fewer tannins and are ideal to be enjoyed young. Common examples are wines with no wood ageing and from more recent harvests, such as red Vinho Verde.
Medium-Bodied Wines
Medium-bodied red wines are balanced, with more complex flavours than light wines. They have moderate tannins and can be aged for a few years. Common examples are reserva wines with about a year of wood ageing, or only in tank, but which have the structure and volume for some ageing. There are also wines from cooler regions that rarely gain much body, but which have a higher structure and acidity that sets them apart from the rest.
Full-Bodied Wines
Full-bodied red wines are rich in tannins and intense flavours. These are generally aged for a longer period, which gives them greater complexity. Common examples include wines from warmer regions such as Alentejo and Douro Superior, where the heat naturally lends more volume and, with the right grape varieties, more structure and less pronounced acidity as well.
Sweet Red Wines
Beyond dry red wines, there are also sweet red wines. These wines are made from grapes with a higher residual sugar content, resulting in a sweeter taste, also because of the way they are vinified. Examples include Port, Carcavelos, Madeira and the Moscatel de Setúbal and Favaios wines, along with some fortified wines.
Casca Wines Red Wines
Casca Wines’ red wines are fascinating, with a wide variety of styles and flavours to explore. Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply a casual admirer, getting to know the characteristics and the types of red wine we make can help you choose and enjoy the best tasting experience.
Of course, always remember to serve the wine at the right temperature, use suitable glasses and try different food pairings to discover wonderful combinations. Enjoy every sip and raise a toast to your health and to the health of all those who share with you the pleasure of good red wines!
From the page to the glass
- Monte Cascas Reserva Tinto Douro — Touriga Franca from four old terraced vineyards, 360 to 540 metres.
- Cabo da Roca Guardião dos Oceanos Tinto — Aragonez, Castelão and Syrah grown 20 km from the ocean.
- 1808 Colheita Tinto — Tinta Roriz from Beira Interior, organic and vegan.
