There are many reasons why people like wine, but perhaps one of the most prevalent reasons is that wine is a social drink. Wine is something that can be enjoyed with others, and it often enhances social gatherings. Wine is also a drink that can be paired with a variety of foods, which makes it a popular choice for dinner parties and other events. Additionally, wine is often seen as a sophisticated drink, and many people enjoy the taste and the experience of drinking wine.
While wine is a universal beverage enjoyed by many people around the world, there are numerous varieties and styles to choose from. In general, however, most people either prefer red wine or white wine. Red wine and white wine are made from different types of grapes and have different aging processes. As a result, they have different flavor profiles and characteristics. Keep reading to learn more about the main differences between red wine vs. white wine.
Fermentation
A big difference between white wine and red wine is the way they are fermented. White wines are fermented without the grape skins, thus giving the wine a light, sweet taste. The skins, stems, and seeds are removed before pressing and fermentation. Grape skins also give the wine its color, so white wines have a lighter color, and red wines have darker hues.
Red wine is crushed together with the skins and seeds before fermentation which makes it bolder and more bitter. And as the skins are mixed with their juice and go straight to the vats, it takes a lot longer to mature.
White wines are typically fermented in stainless steel tanks, while red wines are typically fermented in oak barrels. This difference in fermentation methods can also contribute to the difference in taste between white wine and red wine. Oak barrels are not only used for fermenting red wine but they are also used for aging red wine. The tannins in the oak barrel help to soften the wine and give it a more complex flavor. White wines do not typically undergo barrel aging, which is why they tend to have a more crisp, clean flavor.
Color
There are many differences between red and white wines, the most notable being the color. Red wines are made from black grapes that have been left in contact with their skins for a longer period of time, which gives the wine its characteristic deep color. White wines, on the other hand, are made from green grapes that have been pressed immediately after harvesting, and the skins are removed quickly so that the wine doesn’t take on any color.
Taste
There are many differences between white wine and red wine, but one of the most notable is the difference in taste. White wine is typically fruitier and crisper, while red wine has a more complex flavor that can be earthier or spicier. This difference in taste comes down to the different types of grapes used to make white wine and red wine.
White wine is typically made from green grapes, while red wine is made from black grapes. Green grapes are harvested earlier in the season and have a higher sugar content, which makes them ideal for making sweet white wines. Black grapes are harvested later in the season and have a higher acidity, which makes them ideal for making red wines.
There are a few exceptions to this rule, such as Riesling, which is a white wine made from green grapes, and Zinfandel, which is a red wine made from black grapes. However, these are the exception rather than the rule.
Tannins
Tannins are a natural compound found in red wine that is responsible for the bitter taste. Tannins are also known for their antioxidant properties, which is why red wine is often touted as being healthier than white wine. However, antioxidants are also found in white wine, so it’s not necessarily a clear-cut difference.
Tannins contribute to the bitter taste of these drinks and also give them their astringent quality. In wine, tannins can give the drink a dry or puckering mouthfeel. They can also make the wine taste more acidic. Red wines tend to have more tannins than white wines because the red wines are fermented with the skin on the grape. As a result, most red wines are drier than whites.
There are many different types of red and white wine, and each one has its own unique characteristics. So, it’s important to taste different wines and decide which ones you like best. But, in general, red wine is bolder and fuller-bodied than white wine, and it has a more complex flavor.
