The concept of being dry conjures both positive and negative connotations. A roasted turkey that is too dry does not sound appetizing, but dry heat is often the preferred state of weather rather than humidity. The term “dry” has a different meaning altogether when discussing the characteristics of wine.
Wine has a variety of descriptions usually beginning with it being red, white, or sparkling. Those qualities are easy enough to determine, but next comes the category of dry versus sweet. Most people have a preference they are drawn to, but with today’s many varieties, dry wine consumption has reached new levels of popularity.
Consumers, from the novice to the experienced wine connoisseur, have an incredible number of domestic choices for which to sample and select the perfect wine. And with wine delivery options, learning and enjoying the nuances of a variety of dry wines is at our digital fingertips.
Why Is a Wine “Dry”?
When talking about wine, dry means the absence of sweetness. During the fermentation process, sugar from the grapes is converted to alcohol. The more sugar that is converted, the less residual sugar exists in the wine. If a wine has a residual sugar amount that is less than 1%, then that wine is categorized as dry.
One important thing to note is that dry does not mean there is an absence of flavor from the fruit. Both subtle and complex notes still exist that give each wine its unique characteristics.
Dry Red Wine Selections
Grape varieties with dark skins produce red wines that have a range of dryness to sweetness. Known for their depth of flavor, let’s take a look at the most popular and versatile dry red wines to enjoy. Whether browsing through a liquor store or indulging in wine delivery right to your front door, there are an enormous number of amazing varieties to try.
Cabernet Sauvignon
This full-bodied red wine has a French name but can be found across the world. It lends itself to flavors of dark fruits like black currant and blackberry with notes related to spice, tobacco, and vanilla. Try this Cabernet.
Pinot Noir
This wine made from black-skinned grapes is somewhat acidic which creates a silky feel. Its flavors lean toward berries and stone fruits like cherries, as well as mushroom and vanilla. Try this Pinot Noir.
Merlot
This versatile red wine pairs well with a variety of dishes. The dark flavors are bold and offer a complex combination of plum and raspberry as well as the subtlety of vanilla. Try this Merlot.
Syrah
A full-bodied wine with flavors heavily influenced by the climate in which the grapes are grown. It features the fruity tastes of blueberries and boysenberries as well as more savory nuances of black pepper, tobacco, and herbs. Try this Syrah.
Dry White Wine Selections
Red wines get their glorious ruby and garnet hues from the dark-skinned grapes from which they are derived. White wines do not use the skins as part of the fermentation process therefore their colors range from the palest yellow to a deeper golden shade.
Chardonnay
Widely known for its clean, crisp versatility, this popular wine pairs well with seafood and other fish. It offers fruit flavors including citrus and apple. Try this Chardonnay.
Sauvignon Blanc
A dry white with high acidity and refreshing finish, it is also known for its popularity. It easily pairs with many foods including seafood and chicken. Try this Sauvignon Blanc .
Pinot Grigio
This zesty white is refreshing and boasts high acidity. It goes well with a variety of foods, especially with piquant herbs and fresh vegetables. Its prominent fruit flavors include lemon, pear, and nectarine as well as the floral notes of honeysuckle. Try this Pinot Grigio.
Riesling
Wines produced from Riesling grapes range from sweet to dry, but the dry varieties have gained tremendous popularity. This crisp white pairs incredibly well with spicy and complex flavors as its citrus flavors act as a refreshing palette cleanser. Try this Riesling.
In the not-so-distant past quality wines were thought to only originate in a few elite places in the world like France and Italy, while American wines were considered to be of lesser quality.
Fortunately, for all the Americans who love drinking wine and learning about the varieties that pair well with favorite foods, the domestic wine industry is booming with some of the finest in the world.
And with the advent of shopping online wine delivery is surging because of its ease to try unique winemakers and their selections no matter where they are located.
As you plan your meals or your next get-together with family and friends, take some time to discover a wide selection of domestic red and white dry wines that will add to the delight and interest of the foods you serve. Find out now who offers wine delivery in your area and start enjoying those delicious dry reds and whites.
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