Types of Wine Explained

There are dozens of different types of wine, each with its own unique flavour profiles and pairings. Whether you’re planning a cosy night in with friends, hosting your first black-tie event or just want to enjoy a laid-back evening in your living room, wine is the perfect way to bring people together.

However, choosing from the large variety of wine bottles on store shelves and restaurant menus can also feel overwhelming. Do you ever find yourself wondering what the different categories and varieties of wine mean and which one you should pick?

In this guide, we will help you explore the most popular types of wine, their flavours and how they’re made to help you select the best wine to pair with your mood or event.

What are the main types of wine?

Let’s start with the basics. While there are many different types of wine available, two types are most widely enjoyed around the world.

Red and white wines are classic options that serve as great pairings for dinner parties, gifts, or even just another memorable Friday night.

Top 5 types of red wine

If you enjoy fuller, smoother textures with darker, fruitier flavours, red wine may be the ideal choice for you. Ready to dive deeper? Let’s explore some of the most popular and widely consumed types of red wine.

1) Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is by far the most popular and widely planted variety of red wine. Known for its full body, high tannins and rich flavours, this type of red wine is best known for its complex flavours that develop over time.

• Flavour profile: Includes fruity notes like blackcurrant, blackberry and plum, savoury undertones such as cedar and tobacco and an oak influence ranging from vanilla to espresso.
• Pairs well with: Rich and flavourful meats like steak, lamb and other types of grilled or roasted red meat, mushroom risotto, hearty pasta dishes and aged cheeses.
• Best for: Wine lovers (especially collectors) who enjoy intense, complex flavours with ageing potential.

2) Merlot

Made from Merlot grapes, this type of red wine is popular for its smooth, approachable and versatile flavours. This dry, medium-bodied wine has a moderate level of acidity and tannins, making it a good choice for people with a wide range of palates.

• Flavour profile: Known for its smooth and fruity flavour profile that features notes of plum, black cherry, chocolate, blackberry and vanilla. When aged in oak, it may also include hints of spice.
• Pairs well with: Herby, roasted meats like lamb, pork and chicken, pasta dishes with tomato-based sauces, soft cheeses and mushroom-based dishes like risotto.
• Best for: A great choice for those who are new to drinking wine or those who prefer mellow, more subtle varieties of red wine.

3) Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir (also known as Pinot Nero) is a variety of red wine known for its medium body, high acidity and low tannins. The name is derived from the French words for pine and black, reflecting its delightfully diverse and complex flavour profile.

• Flavour profile: Features fruity, earthy and at times spicy flavours. Pinot Noir usually includes notes of red fruits like cherry, raspberry and strawberry, with earthy notes of mushroom and damp leaves. Oak ageing may introduce floral hints like vanilla and baking spices.
• Pairs well with: Savoury dishes like salmon, duck, roast chicken and lamb as well as truffle-infused dishes and cheeses like brie and goat cheese. Pinot Noir pairs well with most foods, making it the ideal choice for your next dinner party.
• Best for: Beginners and experienced wine drinkers who enjoy light-bodied, fruit-forward wines.

4) Shiraz/Syrah

Shiraz (also known as Syrah in some regions) is a full-bodied red wine most commonly associated with Australia. It is best known for its intense and dark flavours such as blackberry, plum, blueberry, chocolate and spice. Shiraz red wines also tend to have higher alcohol contents (between 14 and 16%) and strong tannins.

• Flavour profile: Includes notes of black pepper, chocolate, liquorice, smoke and even menthol. However, the exact flavour profile usually varies based on the climate in which the grapes were grown and the winemaking technique used. Warmer regions tend to produce richer, sweeter Shiraz wines, while cooler regions produce more savoury and peppery variations.
• Pairs well with: Dishes centred around spices or herb seasonings like Indian curries or Mexican mole. Shiraz wines also pair well with grilled vegetables, barbeque, mushroom dishes and hearty stews.
• Best for: Best enjoyed by wine drinkers who gravitate toward bolder, fuller red wines with rich and spicy flavours.

5) Malbec

Originating from France, this bold and full-bodied red wine is known for its deep colour and rich, fruity flavours.

• Flavour profile: Exhibits notes of plum, cherry and blackberry, with hints of tobacco, vanilla and cocoa.
• Pairs well with: Food with robust flavours like strong cheeses, earthy vegetables, roasted peppers and grilled meats.
• Best for: Drinkers who are new to red wine, as it provides a unique and flavourful experience without too much intensity.

Top 5 types of white wine

Do you enjoy lighter, crisper and more refreshing flavours? Are you looking for the perfect wine to pair with lighter meals? White wine may be the perfect option for you.

1) Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a variety of white wine made from green-skinned grapes. Although this type of wine originated in the Burgundy wine region of France, Chardonnay is most popular for its ability to thrive in different climates and across different winemaking styles.

• Flavour profile: Showcases flavours like green apple, citrus and pear. Oaked Chardonnays may also develop further notes of butter, spice and vanilla.
• Pairs well with: Seafood like lobster, crab and shrimp in creamy, buttery sauces, creamy pasta dishes and soft cheeses.
• Best for: Those who enjoy rich white wines with smoothness and depth.

2) Sauvignon Blanc

This type of white wine is known for its bright acidity, vibrant flavours and crisp characteristics. It’s one of the most popular choices across the globe due to its versatility and tropical flavour profile.

• Flavour profile: Usually features refreshing notes of tropical flavours such as citrus, green apple, bell pepper, grass and nettle. Warmer climates may also draw out more tropical fruit flavours like guava and passion fruit.
• Pairs well with: Dishes with generous amounts of herbs and citrus. Its acidic flavours make it a great choice for seafood, salads, spicy dishes and white meat.
• Best for: Casual drinkers and wine enthusiasts who enjoy vibrant flavours, high acidity and light refreshing white wines with a crisp finish.

3) Riesling

Riesling wines, which originated in the Rhine region in Germany, are widely recognised as one of the most aromatic and food-compatible white wines in the world.

• Flavour profile: Ranges from dry to sweet with flavours such as green apple, peach, apricot and lemon. These types of wines may also include fl oral notes such as citrus blossoms or white flowers. Aged Rieslings may also develop more unique flavour profiles, such as notes of petrol and honey.
• Pairs well with: Seafood, sushi and spicy dishes. Off -dry varieties of Riesling pair extremely well with richer foods like pork and roasted duck. Sweeter Rieslings pair well with desserts, fruit-based meals and salty cheeses.
• Best for: Anyone who enjoys aromatic, floral-smelling wines with a range of sweetness levels.

4) Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio is a popular type of white wine made from Pinot Gris grapes. This variety is most popular for its crisp, refreshing qualities and light body.

• Flavour profile: Exhibits a flavour profile influenced by pear, apple and citrus. Pinot Grigio also features hints of honey, spice and floral elements.
• Pairs well with: Lighter styles of Pinot Grigio pair well with seafood, salads and mild cheeses. Fuller styles are more suited for roasted pork and poultry. Sweeter varieties made from late-harvest grapes are perfect for fruity desserts.
• Best for: Casual drinking during warmer weather.

5) Moscato

Moscato is a sweet, sparkling white wine that originates from the Piedmont region in Italy. Made from Muscat grapes, it is one of the oldest and most aromatic types of white wine in the world.

• Flavour profile: Features notes of peach, apricot, orange blossom and honeysuckle. They also usually have hints of citrus, like mandarin orange and lemon.
• Pairs well with: Sweet dishes like fruit-based desserts and fresh pastries, as well as spicy, savoury dishes such as Asian cuisine.
• Best for: New wine drinkers or anyone with a sweet tooth.

What grapes are used in winemaking?

There are more than a thousand different types of grapes for winemaking around the world. Grapes used for winemaking are carefully grown with highly specific care and carefully selected based on their flavours, aromas and character.

The flavour profiles of these grapes mainly depend on the climate and soil they are grown in, as well as the winemaking style employed. While some grapes may be bold and deep, others may be light and citrusy.

Different wine categories

Wine isn’t just about red or white varieties. Finding the perfect glass of wine to help you unwind after a long day is also about how it was made, what the texture feels like and how carbonated it is.

Understanding the different categorisations will help you find a bottle that fits the exact requirements of the next meal you’re planning, the perfect celebratory moment or even your mood.

1) Still wine

Still wine is the most common and widely consumed category of wine. This type of wine is non-sparkling (it has no carbonation or bubbles). This category includes most white and red wine varieties you will see on shelves.

• Alcohol content: 8%–15% ABV
• Examples: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc
• Best for: Daily drinking, food pairings for lighter meals

2) Sparkling wine

Sparkling wine is a type of wine that contains high levels of carbon dioxide, which creates an eff ervescent and bubbly eff ect.

• Alcohol content: 8% - 14% ABV
• Examples: Champagne, Prosecco, Cava
• Best for: Festive occasions, celebrations and cocktails

3) Fortified wine

Fortified wine is a type of wine where a distilled spirit like brandy is added to increase its alcohol content and add depth to its flavour profile.

• Alcohol content: 17% - 22% ABV
• Examples: Port, Sherry, Vermouth, Madeira
• Best for: Ingredients for mixed cocktails, as an aperitif (before meals), as a digestif (after meals)

How do winemaking methods define these categories?

Winemaking methods, especially the way the grapes are fermented and whether or not the grape skins are included in the process, are key factors that define the different categories of wine.

The different range of fermentation methods influences the colour, tannins and overall style of the wine you choose.

Explore wine locally at Burwood Brickworks

Are you looking for the perfect glass or bottle of wine that suits your exact preferences? You don’t need to look far. Burwood Brickworks, your favourite neighbourhood shopping destination, has everything you need, including your next favourite wine.

Looking for the perfect bottle of wine to enjoy at home? At Dan Murphy’s, you can choose from over 6000 bottles, ranging from rare vintage finds to affordable classics. Searching for the perfect place to catch up with your friends over a glass of wine? New Northcote Brewhouse is the perfect choice. With a wide selection of white, red and sparkling wines and delicious foods to pair them with, this local brewhouse is where you’ll make your next memories.

Apart from fine-dining, Burwood Brickworks always offers an exciting selection of events, activities, seasonal celebrations and entertainment options. Check out what’s going on at Burwood Brickworks and make a day of it.