Dry, Medium, Sweet, Crisp, Heavy???? Argh!

[Drew]

Hello Simon. A better descriptor for reds would be Light, Medium or Full Bodied and not Heaviness. Generally (in the most broadest sense) Cabs, Shiraz, Merlot, Rioja, Pinotage, Valpolicella and CDP are usually medium to full bodied with Chianti, Beaujolais and Pinot Noir light to medium bodied...BUT any wine can be made in any style. As for dryness, the term "dry" refers to the sugar being converted totally to alcohol. Off dry and semi-sweet refer to some residual sugar remaining after fermentation. Most wines are vinified dry but many in a fruity style that mimics sweetness. Long story short, there is no direct answer to your question...hope this helps.

Drew