What Is Your Poison: Red Wine or White Wine?

1. What Is Your Poison: Red Wine or White Wine? If you are on this page, perhaps you are new to wine. Or, you are just curious to find the difference between red and white wine. If we keep the technical part aside, the differences between the two go far beyond just the choice of grapes and the color which can range from production methods to food pairing. Let us understand this in detail. The difference between red and white wine shoot predominantly from tannin which makes the taste of wine dry or bitter. To be more specific, tannins are a component, found in the skin of grapes. It is naturally occurring polyphenol. The secret to a wine’s color lies in the skins, not in the pulp. When preparing white wine, the skins of the grapes are removed before fermentation which gives out a clear transparent white wine. Many white wines, including a large percentage of Champagne, are in fact made from red grapes. This style, which is widely known as ‘blanc de noir’ has given rise to some of the best wine brands. Now coming to the red wine, the skin is kept in contact with the juice as it ferments. The process is known as ‘maceration’ which is responsible for mining the rich color and flavor of red wine. What is the difference in the making methods? Red wines are doted on for their rich, velvety flavors, while white wines are loved for their floral aromas, pure fruit, and acidic notes. Of course, to achieve these results, winemakers use different techniques of winemaking. The most significant difference in both the processes is 'oxidation' that causes wines to give up their floral and fruit notes and take rich, nutty flavors. To increase oxygen, oak barrels are typically used as they breathe and enable wine to way in oxygen. Similarly, to reduce the exposure of oxygen, winemakers use steel tanks so that the wines retain their flowery and fruity flavors. It doesn’t mean that red wines are always made in oak barrels. Some red wines are also made in stainless steel tanks to retain the floral flavors of the wine, for example, Beaujolais Nouveau. In the

2. same way, some white grapes are fermented and aged using oak barrels to add nutty and creamy flavors to the wine, for example, Chardonnay. Some common types of red wine are - Beaujolais, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. Some common types of white are - Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Moselle, and Champagne. Now the big question remains –which one is better for you? Well, it all depends on your taste and preference. Not all wines are equal, so decide it after much taste and re-taste!