Red wine varieties in Kenya

Red wine is a drink that most people enjoy in their daily life as well on different occasions. Since the red wines are crafted from various grapes, they offer an unending expansion of flavors and textures that inspire every wine lover. The diversity of grapes colors gives a red wine a unique red shade we encounter in liquor shops. Depending on the type of grapes and how long the skin was left in with the grape juice before being extracted, red wine color ranges from intense violet, dark red, ruby red, brick red, opaque purple, among other colors.

The different types of red wines are usually judged by their color (body). The wine body describes the weight in your mouth, powerful, bold, playful, and delicate. There is the light-bodied wine, medium-bodied red wine, and full-bodied red wines. 

Light-bodied - Light bodied are lighter, not too demanding on the mouth, contain less tannin, and have fruity characteristics.

Medium-bodied -The medium-bodied red wine is slightly heavier but not as heavy and powerful as full-bodied wine. Many medium-bodied red wines, especially from France, are fruity and generally soft.

Full bodies –Full-bodied wines are denser and have higher alcohol content. Rich and intense flavors usually characterize them. The intensive flavors make these wines heavy to the palate, and hence they are not drunk quickly.

Red wine types are very famous in Kenya and the world due to their health benefits. It is the healthiest type of alcoholic beverage. When taken in moderation, it is beneficial to the body in several ways. It contains Anti-Oxidants called resveratrol, which is good for health. This Anti-Oxidants in red wine helps in reducing the risk of contracting cancer. It also lows the risk of type 2 diabetes, mostly among women. This is because red wine helps to lower blood sugar levels, hence lowering the risk of contracting diabetes. Also, the resveratrol in red wine helps to reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Sweet red wine & dry red wine

You may wonder how wine can be sweet, yet there is no sugar added. Yes, red wines, as well as their counterpart white wines, can either be sweet or dry depending on tannin concentration, causing a palate detection of varying tastes. The sweetness of red wine is released by halting the fermentation before it completes allowing the accumulation of residual sugars from the grapes, giving the wine a sweet taste. For the dry wines the fermentation process is allowed to complete. Also, the tannins, and acidity in wine, lower the sugar levels. The tannin levels increase with increased time in which the grape skins remain in contact with the juice and the grape variety — the higher tannins in wine, the lower the sugar levels. Due to skin contact, most red wines are tannic characteristics which add to their complexity to the flavor. Dry red wine usually has higher levels of tannins.

Most popular types of red wine grapes

There many different red wine grape varieties but the most popular red wine varieties we mostly encounter on online wine stores are;

Cabernet Sauvignon

Merlot

Malbec

Pinot Noir

Sangiovese

Syrah/Shiraz

Zinfandel

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is the most cultivated grape worldwide. Cab wines are usually elegant, full-bodied red wine with bold and rich texture, intense black cherry flavors, a bit fruity, herbal, and spices. It is a wine for "serious" wine drinkers.

Merlot

Merlot is sweetest, light-bodied, and easy to drink red wine. It is an excellent entry red wine for beginners as it pleases most wine drinkers. It is a sweet, fruity, soft drinkable wine with cherry, strawberry and plum flavors.

Malbec

Malbec is a deep purple, easy to drink wine with a nice cherry and spice flavors and a smoky finish. Malbec is a crowd-pleaser, and it goes well with spicy food.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a delicate light-bodied wine and is best expressed as a pure varietal as it is rarely blended with other grape varieties. It is a fruity, light in tannins, drinkable and respectable wine making it a great choice for all types of wine drinkers. This wine includes flavors of raisin, raspberry, black cherry, and strawberry.  

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is the most grown red variety in Italy. It is relatively lighter in color and more acidic. It has distinctive flavors of pie cherry, pepper, and tobacco, and taste somehow flat/plain. It is dry, savory, and it can be a little harsh. Sangiovese wine is better enjoyed with food than on its own.

Syrah/Shiraz

Shiraz is an easy to drink flavorful wine. It has flavors of peppery, plum, spicy, and rich fruits like a blackberry. It is a bold wine which is a little tart, and it is a great wine to sip and serve at a party.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel is usually considered as an America's variety, particularly California. It is an exciting wine, and its taste can vary depending on where it is grown. Most Zinfandel wine is juicy, fruity, with raspberry, cherry, and blackberry flavors. Zinfandel wines alcohol content is generally high, and it is lower in tannin.

Red wine food pairing

Diverse styles and structure of red wine make it the ideal choice for dinner. Different regions produce classic red wines with firm structure and robust flavors that are excellent with different meals. For the best result, matching the wine's weight and tannins concentration with the food richness leads to a wonderful and harmonious wine-food pairing. Fuller-bodied red wines generally pair well with denser and heavier meals such as steak and pasta. Lighter bodied reds pair well with lighter foods such as chicken, seafood, and vegetable dishes.

Serving red wine

Red wine is best served in special glasses that are oval or egg-shaped. This glass enables the wine to reach the top, allowing it to breathe and swirl better. Serve red wine at 60-65 °F. When served too hot, the alcohol can be overemphasized. If too cold, it will taste bitter. 

Explore the diverse types of red on your leading online wine & spirit shop in Kenya – Drinks zone. We have a wide variety of red wine, all for your enjoyment. We also have the best wine prices in Nairobi, both retail and wholesale. Dial a drink to buy the best red wine in Kenya with unique, distinct aroma and flavor. At drinks zone, we offer fast and free home delivery services. Have fun!