The Difference Between Red And White Wines

You probably have your favorites when it comes to wine. Most likely you’ve tried several varieties of red and white wine. But what is the real difference between reds and whites? The difference goes much deeper than just the color.

Both red and white wines can be either dry or sweet. It depends on how much of the sugar was converted to alcohol during the fermentation process. But, if you taste a glass of red wine and a glass of white wine and you’ll notice that the red wine, overall, will be more robust and complex than the white wine.

You see, there are more layers of flavor in red wine that don’t exist in white. The difference has less to do with the grapes used and more to do with the fermentation process. That is the primary difference.

In the fermentation process, in white wines, after the grapes get pressed, the seeds, skins, and stems are removed from the juice. But, with red wines, the seeds, skins, and stems are all left in the juice during fermentation. This allows tannins to be released into the juice. It’s the tannins that give red wine its comlexity and full bodied flavor.

Tannins are plant compounds that exist in leaves, barks of trees and grapes. You may have tasted tannins in a strong cup of tea. Tannins cause an astringent, bitter taste.

The tannins that are released during fermentation react with proteins and help prevent the wine from oxidizing as it ages. As white wines are not aged as long as red wines, usually, the tannins aren’t needed. But, they are needed to help the red wines age properly.

Tannins also provide another layer of flavor and complexity. As the wine ages, the tannins mellow and blend with the wine, losing most of their astringency.

And now, the next time you choose a wine, you’ll know why it has the color and flavor that it has. Tannins.