The study of wine has become a popular hobby for many people. As wine has gained popularity in the US, and as the US has become a major wine producing region, people are clamoring to learn all they can.
It’s important to start with the basics and understand the differences between red wine and white wine. This primer is designed to help you understand just what is red wine and how it differs from white wine.
Red wine is produced primarily from red grapes, sometimes known as black grapes, while white wine is typically produced from white grapes. However, the type of grape used is not the most important factor in determining whether a white is red or white.
Red wines differ from white wines in the fermentation process. When white wine is made, the stems, seeds, and grape skins are removed from the grape juice after pressing. When red wines are made, the stems, seeds and skins are left in the juice. This allows the tannins and pigments to be present in the wine. These tannins are what make red wines so much heavier and more complex than white wines. The tannins also give red wine a more astringent flavor. One of the reasons that red wines are often aged before drinking is to give the tannins time to age. As these tannins soften with age, the wine becomes mellower, allowing you to experience more of the flavors without the bite of the astringency.
If you’re a novice wine drinker, you may want to start with white wines. Many people begin their wine drinking journey with whites, but develop a taste for red wines as their palates evolve. Because white wine is lighter and often a bit sweeter, it tends to appeal to a wider range of palates.
There are two more common terms that new wine drinkers should understand, in addition to red versus white:
• Dry vs. sweet – Sweet is just what you would expect, and dry wines are the opposite of sweet.
• Still vs. Sparkling – Sparkling wines have bubbles, like Champagne. However, only sparkling wines produced in the Champagne region of France can carry the term champagne. Other examples of sparkling wines include Prosecco, Cava and Asti. Still wines have no bubbles.
There is much to learn about wine. However, if you understand the difference between red and white, dry and sweet and sparkling versus still, you’re well on your way to choosing and understanding good wines.
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