BEGINNERS WINE STYLE GUIDE
Embark on a delightful journey into the world of wines with Drydrinker.
Our guide is here to make the wide array of wine varieties easy to understand, from the bubbly joy of Champagne and sparkling wines to the rich warmth of full-bodied reds and the light touch of whites. Wines have been part of our celebrations and dinners for thousands of years, loved for their varied tastes and the stories they tell. Whether you're just starting to explore wines or looking to deepen your knowledge, our guide is your friendly companion. It helps you navigate the many wine types available, making it easier for you to choose and enjoy the wines that suit your taste.
WINE TYPES: Same Styles, Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic
In the world of wine, the variety of types available doesn't vary whether they're alcoholic or non-alcoholic. This guide covers wine styles that are universally relevant, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of wine’s diverse flavours and characteristics for everyone.
Explore the types of wine
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Champagne & sparkling wine
Learn moreCelebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
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Light white wine
Learn moreCelebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
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Full-Bodied White Wine
Learn moreCelebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
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Sweet White Wine
Learn moreCelebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
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Rosé Wine
Learn moreCelebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
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Medium Red Wine
Learn moreCelebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
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Full Bodied Red Wine
Learn moreCelebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
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SPARKLING TEA
Learn moreCelebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
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FORTIFIED WINE
Learn moreCelebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
A note on wine tasting
Read our guide
champagne & sparkling wine
Celebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
Food pairing:
Salty or fried dishes, soft cheeses like brie and seafood such as smoke salmon.
WINE GLASS STYLE:
Typically served in a flute or tulip glass to preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aroma at the top of the glass, enhancing the tasting experience.
COMMON REGIONS:
- Champagne, France
- Veneto, Italy
- Catalonia, Spain
COMMON styles:
Champagne • Prosecco • Cava
SERVING TEMPERATURE:
Serve chilled, between 6°C to 8°C
STORAGE DETAILS:
Store in a cool, dark place, preferably on its side to keep the cork moist.
Tasting notes
Citrusy
Toasty
Floral
Description:
Champagne and sparkling wines stand as the pinnacle of celebration and elegance, originating from the Champagne region of France but now produced worldwide. These effervescent wines are made using a variety of methods, most notably the traditional method, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, creating their signature bubbles. From the crisp and delicate Blanc de Blancs to the rich and fruity Rosé Champagnes, the spectrum of styles caters to every palate. Sparkling wines outside Champagne, such as Prosecco from Italy and Cava from Spain, offer delightful alternatives, each with its own unique character and tradition. The versatility of these sparkling treasures makes them perfect for toasting special moments or enjoying as a sophisticated aperitif.
OUR TOP SPARKLING WINES
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Wednesday's Domaine Éclat - Non Alcoholic Sparkling Wine
0.5% ABV
From £15.43 a bottle
Made from Verdejo grapes -
Wednesday's Domaine Rosé Cuvée - Non Alcoholic Sparkling Rosé Wine
0.5% ABV
From £14.96 a bottle
Made from Airen Blanco and Tempranillo grapes
Light white wine
Light white wines, prized for their crisp acidity and refreshing flavours, feature delicate notes of citrus, green apple, and floral undertones, perfect for a rejuvenating experience.
Food pairing:
Salads, Seafood, and light pasta dishes to enhance the meal's freshness.
WINE GLASS STYLE:
Served in a narrow white wine glass, which helps concentrate the subtle aromas towards your nose, enhancing the wine's delicate bouquet.
COMMON REGIONS:
- Loire Valley, France
- Veneto, Italy
- Marlborough, New Zealand
COMMON styles:
Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris • Sauvignon Blanc • Muscadet
SERVING TEMPERATURE:
Best enjoyed chilled, around 8°C to 10°C
STORAGE DETAILS:
Ideally stored in a cool, dark place, on its side if corked.
Tasting notes
Citrusy
Floral
Green Apple
Description:
Light white wines are the essence of purity and refreshment in the wine world, crafted to capture the delicate nuances of their grape varietals. These wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Albariño, are celebrated for their zesty acidity and vibrant fruit flavours that dance on the palate. They are often produced in a manner that preserves their fresh, aromatic profile, avoiding oak ageing to maintain their crisp character. Perfect for sipping on a warm day or pairing with light dishes, light white wines exemplify simplicity and elegance. Their ability to convey the essence of their terroir makes them a favourite among wine enthusiasts seeking a clean, refreshing drinking experience.
FULL-bodied white wine
Full-bodied white wines offer a rich and creamy texture, with deep layers of oak, tropical fruits, and vanilla, providing a luxurious palate experience.
Food pairing:
Salty or fried dishes, soft cheeses like brie and seafood such as smoke salmon.
WINE GLASS STYLE:
Typically served in a flute or tulip glass to preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aroma at the top of the glass, enhancing the tasting experience.
COMMON REGIONS:
- Champagne, France
- Veneto, Italy
- Catalonia, Spain
COMMON styles:
Champagne • Prosecco • Cava
SERVING TEMPERATURE:
Serve chilled, between 6°C to 8°C
STORAGE DETAILS:
Store in a cool, dark place, preferably on its side to keep the cork moist.
Tasting notes
Vanilla
Toasty
Tropical Fruit
Description:
Champagne and sparkling wines stand as the pinnacle of celebration and elegance, originating from the Champagne region of France but now produced worldwide. These effervescent wines are made using a variety of methods, most notably the traditional method, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, creating their signature bubbles. From the crisp and delicate Blanc de Blancs to the rich and fruity Rosé Champagnes, the spectrum of styles caters to every palate. Sparkling wines outside Champagne, such as Prosecco from Italy and Cava from Spain, offer delightful alternatives, each with its own unique character and tradition. The versatility of these sparkling treasures makes them perfect for toasting special moments or enjoying as a sophisticated aperitif.
SWEET WHITE WINE
Celebrated for its vivacity and effervescence, Champagne and sparkling wines deliver a range of styles from dry to sweet, embodying sophistication with every sip.
Food pairing:
Salty or fried dishes, soft cheeses like brie and seafood such as smoke salmon.
WINE GLASS STYLE:
Typically served in a flute or tulip glass to preserve the bubbles and concentrate the aroma at the top of the glass, enhancing the tasting experience.
COMMON REGIONS:
- Champagne, France
- Veneto, Italy
- Catalonia, Spain
COMMON styles:
Champagne • Prosecco • Cava
SERVING TEMPERATURE:
Serve chilled, between 6°C to 8°C
STORAGE DETAILS:
Store in a cool, dark place, preferably on its side to keep the cork moist.
Tasting notes
Honeyed
Floral
Fruity
Description:
Champagne and sparkling wines stand as the pinnacle of celebration and elegance, originating from the Champagne region of France but now produced worldwide. These effervescent wines are made using a variety of methods, most notably the traditional method, which involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, creating their signature bubbles. From the crisp and delicate Blanc de Blancs to the rich and fruity Rosé Champagnes, the spectrum of styles caters to every palate. Sparkling wines outside Champagne, such as Prosecco from Italy and Cava from Spain, offer delightful alternatives, each with its own unique character and tradition. The versatility of these sparkling treasures makes them perfect for toasting special moments or enjoying as a sophisticated aperitif.
OUR TOP WHITE WINES
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The Very Cautious One | Gewurztraminer Riesling NV | Non Alcoholic White Wine
0.0% ABV
From £8.08 a bottle
Rosé Wine
Rosé wines, celebrated for their versatility and delicate pink hue, offer a harmonious blend of red fruit flavours, floral notes, and a crisp finish, suitable for any occasion.
Food pairing:
Complements light salads, seafood, grilled chicken, and soft cheeses.
WINE GLASS STYLE:
Served in a stemmed wine glass with a wide bowl to enhance its aroma and maintain cool temperature.
COMMON REGIONS:
- Spain
- France
- Italy
COMMON styles:
Provence Rosé • Sangiovese Rosé • Tempranillo Rosé
SERVING TEMPERATURE:
Serve chilled, between 8°C to 10°C
STORAGE DETAILS:
Store in a cool, dark place, preferably upright to minimise oxidation.
Tasting notes
Berry
Citrus
Floral
Description:
Rosé wines, with their alluring pink hue, capture the joy and beauty of wine in a glass. Produced by allowing brief contact with the red grape skins, rosés embody a spectrum of styles, from the pale, dry Provencal rosés to the fruit-forward rosés of New World wine regions. These wines blend the best of both worlds, offering the crispness of white wines with the fruity complexity of reds. Rosé has experienced a renaissance in recent years, celebrated for its food-friendly nature and its ability to reflect the nuances of different grape varietals and terroirs. Whether enjoyed on a sunny terrace or as a versatile partner to a wide array of cuisines, rosé is a testament to the diversity and creativity of the wine world.
OUR TOP ROSE WINES
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Spanish Torres Natureo Rosé Syrah Cabernet Sauvignon - Alcohol Free Rosé Wine
0.0% ABV
From £8.65 a bottle
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Thomson & Scott Noughty Rose Organic - Alcohol Free Sparkling Rosé Wine
0.0% ABV
From £11.27 a bottle
Medium Red Wine
Medium red wines, with their balanced body and tannins, offer a harmonious blend of fruit and spice, making them a perfect match for a wide range of dishes.
Food pairing:
Pairs beautifully with roasted meats, pasta dishes, aged cheeses, and mushroom-based recipes.
WINE GLASS STYLE:
Served in a large-bowled wine glass to aerate the wine, enhancing its flavours and softening tannins.
COMMON REGIONS:
- Tuscany, Italy
- Bordeaux, France
- Rioja, Spain
COMMON styles:
Merlot • Grenache • Tempranillo
SERVING TEMPERATURE:
Serve at slightly below room temperature, around 16°C to 18°C
STORAGE DETAILS:
Store on its side in a cool, dark place, ideally at a consistent temperature.
Tasting notes
Berry
Spice
Oak
Description:
Medium red wines are the heart of the red wine spectrum, offering a harmonious balance between the lighter and fuller-bodied reds. These wines, which include varietals like Merlot, and Grenache, are admired for their moderate tannin structure and vibrant fruit flavours, accented with spice and herbal notes. The versatility of medium red wines makes them an ideal companion to a wide variety of dishes, adept at bridging the gap between light and hearty fare. With aging potential but also delightful when young, these wines are a testament to the winemaker's skill in achieving balance and elegance, providing a deeply satisfying wine-drinking experience.
Full Bodied Red Wine
Full-bodied red wines exude robust flavours of dark fruits, spices, and often a touch of oak, delivering a rich and intense sensory experience.
Food pairing:
Complements bold dishes like steak, game, heavy stews, and rich cheeses.
WINE GLASS STYLE:
Served in a glass with a broad bowl to allow the wine to breathe, enhancing its complex flavors and aromas.
COMMON REGIONS:
- Napa Valley, USA
- Bordeaux, France
- Barossa Valley, Australia
COMMON styles:
Cabernet Sauvignon • Shiraz and Syrah • Malbec
SERVING TEMPERATURE:
Serve at room temperature, around 18°C to 20°C
STORAGE DETAILS:
Store in a cool, dark place on its side
Tasting notes
Dark Fruit
Oak
Chocolate
Description:
Full-bodied red wines are the epitome of power and depth in the wine world, crafted to leave a lasting impression with each sip. Renowned varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec are the backbone of this category, delivering intense flavours of dark fruits, spices, and, in many cases, a significant oak influence. These wines are characterised by their high tannin content and substantial mouthfeel, making them ideal candidates for aging, during which they develop complexity and a softer texture. Perfect for pairing with rich and savory dishes, full-bodied reds are a favourite for their boldness and ability to stand up to the heartiest of meals. Whether enjoyed in the quiet of a winter evening or alongside a festive dinner, these wines offer a profound and memorable drinking experience.
OUR TOP RED WINES
Sparkling Tea
Sparkling tea combines the nuanced complexity of fine tea with the refreshing effervescence of bubbles, offering a sophisticated, non-alcoholic wine alternative.
Food pairing:
Pairs well with light appetizers, seafood, brunch dishes, and as a celebratory toast alternative.
WINE GLASS STYLE:
Served in a flute or white wine glass to preserve its bubbles and showcase the delicate aromas.
COMMON REGIONS:
- Scandanavia
- Asia
- Europe
COMMON styles:
Green Tea Based • White Tea Based • Herbal Tea Based
SERVING TEMPERATURE:
Serve chilled, around 6°C to 8°C
STORAGE DETAILS:
Store in a cool, dark place.
Tasting notes
Floral
Herbal
Citrus
Description:
Sparkling tea is an innovative beverage that marries the intricate flavours of fine tea leaves with the refreshing zest of carbonation. This non-alcoholic alternative draws from a variety of tea types – from green and white to oolong and black – each offering its own unique flavour profile. The brewing process is carefully managed to extract the delicate aromas and tastes of the tea, which are then enlivened with bubbles, creating a drink that's both sophisticated and invigorating. Sparkling teas can range from sweet to dry, catering to a wide array of palates, and are perfect for those seeking a festive, grown-up drink without alcohol. With their complex flavours and effervescent character, sparkling teas provide a novel way to enjoy the ancient tradition of tea in a contemporary context.
OUR TOP SPARKLING WINES
Fortifed Wines
Fortified wines, known for their rich sweetness and heightened alcohol content, provide a sumptuous finish to any meal with their concentrated fruit and spice notes.
Food pairing:
Perfect with desserts, blue cheeses, nuts, or as a digestif.
WINE GLASS STYLE:
Served in a small glass to appreciate the rich aromas and flavors without overwhelming the palate.
COMMON REGIONS:
- Porto, Portugal
- Jerez, Spain
- Sauternes, France
COMMON styles:
Port • Sherry • Madeira
SERVING TEMPERATURE:
Serve slightly chilled or at room temperature, depending on the style; 13°C to 18°C
STORAGE DETAILS:
Store in a cool, dark place.
Tasting notes
Raisin
Caramel
Nutty
Description:
Fortified wines, distinguished by the addition of a spirit to halt fermentation and boost alcohol content, offer a rich tapestry of flavours and textures. This category includes diverse styles such as the velvety and complex Port, the nutty and layered Sherry, the sweetly spiced Madeira, and the aromatic Marsala. Each type showcases a different aspect of winemaking tradition, from the sun-drenched vineyards of Portugal to the historic bodegas of Spain. Fortified wines are renowned for their depth and longevity, capable of aging gracefully for decades. With characteristics ranging from sweet and fruity to dry and savoury, they cater to a wide spectrum of palates and occasions. Whether served as an aperitif, alongside a meal, or as a contemplative after-dinner sip, fortified wines offer a unique and indulgent experience, marrying the craft of winemaking with the artistry of distillation.
An introduction to winetasting
Now that you're familiar with the various types of wine, it's time to delve deeper into how to truly appreciate and enjoy their flavours. To enhance your wine tasting experience, it's essential to pay attention to a wine's appearance, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and finish. This guide is designed to help you navigate and appreciate the vast and diverse world of wine, fostering a more profound understanding of this elegant beverage.
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Appearance
Note the wine's colour and clarity—light straw to deep purple indicates variety and age. Tilt the glass to examine colour against a white background and look for sediment or bubbles for style clues.
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Aroma
Swirl to release aromas, then sniff deeply to identify scents from fruit to oak. These aromas hint at the forthcoming taste.
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Taste
Sip and assess the balance of sweetness, acidity, tannins, and alcohol. Notice evolving primary flavours and their complexity.
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Mouthfeel
Evaluate the texture, from light to robust, and the presence of tannins. Consider the wine's body and the overall sensation in your mouth.
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Finish
Reflect on the aftertaste's length and complexity, noting whether it's pleasant and leaves a lasting impression of fruit, oak, or minerality.
find your perfect WINE TODAY
Now that you've explored the wine styles that catch your eye, it's time to discover your ideal sip. Browse our handpicked collection of non-alcoholic and alcohol-free wines at Drydrinker. Whether you're a dedicated wine aficionado or just starting your wine adventure, we have the perfect pour for you. Let's transform your wine preferences into a delightful experience!
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