Quality red wines are made from blue grapes, also known as red wine grape varieties. The characteristics of a given vintage depend largely not only on the grape variety used, but also on the quality of the harvest, the method of preparation and storage.
World varieties
When it comes to red wines, we cannot fail to mention world varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Pinot Noir. Of course, the Borsuttogó also offers a selection of quality red wines that are considered to be world varieties, and we have selected the best of them for you, as we do with all our drinks.
Cabernet Sauvignon is a cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc, and produces a tannin-rich, full-bodied wine with a rich, full flavour. Long ageing is required to fully develop its flavours.
You can see that the vines that are now called world varieties all have French names. This is because they all originate from what is now France, and in particular from the Bordeaux region, and have spread from there throughout the world.
Lesser known, but no less excellent red wines
There are a number of quality regional red wines which, although not as widely known, are no less excellent than their world-famous and much-loved counterparts. Primitivo from Puglia, for example, is a jewel in the crown of the Italian boot heel, and its simplicity makes for great and varied wines. It also shows that quality red wines cannot only come from France.
Puglia primitivos can only be grown in this area and only using specific grape varieties. The name is both a designation of origin and a guarantee of quality.
The wine-growing area can be divided into three areas, one of which, around the town of Bari, is particularly special. This is because the grape variety on which the primitivo is based was originally introduced in this area. It was brought here many hundreds of years ago by Greek sailors from what is now Croatia. And its uniqueness is enhanced by the fact that there are only a handful of producers of primitivo around Bari.
The role of the winemaker in the production of quality red wines
Without exceptionally talented winemakers, even the best and noblest grape varieties will not produce quality wine. This drink is an integral part of our lives: it has accompanied us throughout history, it is a symbol of our literature and art, and it is a building block of our culture.
And all of this can come from the hands of winemakers. Through their work, they are able to boost tourism, cultivate national and professional traditions and revitalise their economy.
To be a winemaker, it is not enough to be a specialist in a profession: they are also agricultural experts, but they are also experts in gastronomy, they know the tastes of consumers and how to shape them. It is therefore no exaggeration to say that quality red wines can only be made by winemakers who are well trained, who understand their profession and who love it.
How to buy quality red wine?
To do this, you should think about what you want to serve it with and who you want to serve it to. If you are serving a large group, it would probably be difficult to choose a wine that everyone would enjoy, but you can avoid this by offering a variety of different items.
If it’s not clear which wine to serve with which dish, we can help you choose. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. Quality red wines are a great complement to any dinner or family event.
