Categories

There are five different categories of wine.

1. Table
2. Dessert
3. Beverage
4. Sparkling
5. Aromatized

1. Table Wine (Domestic or Imported)

• Table wine is "still" – meaning it contains no carbonation
• It is natural – made from fermented fruit juice
• There are no flavor additives
• Contains less than 14% alcohol

Table wines fall under three classifications:

1. Generic: is a blend with no one grape dominating its taste characteristics. Usually named after a geographical region in Europe. For example:

• Red: Burgundy (France), and Chianti ( Italy).
• White: Chablis (France), and Rhine ( Germany)
• Rosé: Vin Rosé ( Portugal)

2. Varietal: is named after the specific grape variety. The bottle must contain 75% of that particular grape. For example:

• Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Merlot
• White: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Johannisberg Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc
• Rosé: Grenache Rosé, and Gamay Rosé

3. Proprietary: is a trademark name of a particular producer.

 

2. Dessert Wine

• Dessert wine is "still" – meaning it contains no carbonation
• It is natural – made from fermented fruit juice
• It is generally sweet

Examples: Port, Sherry, Tokay, White Port, and Muscatel.

3. Beverage Wine

• Beverage wine is "still" – meaning it contains no carbonation
• Made from two or more fruit juices

Examples: Arbor Mist Peach Chardonnay and Strawberry White Zinfandel.

4. Sparkling

• Sparkling wine contains carbonation of at least 7 pounds per square inch
• It is natural – made from fermented fruit juice
• Contains no more than 14% alcohol

Examples: Extra Dry, Brut, and Spumante.

5. Aromatized

• An aromatized wine is herbalized
• It is fortified by the addition of brandy or grape sugar to raise the alcohol proof

Examples: Sweet or Dry Vermouth

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Wine Education Topics

About The Grape
Types Of Wine
The Vineyard Cycle
Wine Categories
Dynamics Of Food & Wine
Pairing Food & Wine
Reading The Label