Learning Annex Presents the Pleasure of Wine Book

Easy to read guide for beginners.
Smart classification of grape varietals by tannic levels: light, medium bodied, full bodied.
Tasting notes are iffy.

Reds
Light & Smooth (least tannic)

- Pinot Noir: S-characteristics: soft, smooth, silky, sexy, subtle
- Dolcetto: aka Little Sweet One; recommended by Richard Betts; Piedmont, Italy; simple, fruity quaffing wine (soft red cherry & sometimes acid/slightly sour twist although it is generally a low-acid grape). Most frequently made in stainless steel => no oak flavours

Medium bodied

- Merlot:
- Nero D'avola: Sicily;
- Sangiovese:
- Tempranillo:
- Malbec: medium-full bodied

Full bodied (most tannic)
Appearance: dark red; port like; younger wines tend to be more blue-purple vs older wines are brick-brown

- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- Shiraz/Syrah:
- Nebbiolo: Piedmont & across Italy; makes the legendary Barolo & Barbaresco; full flavoured; fruity, spicy; power, structure & tannin - ages well up to 10 yrs