CONTENTS
table of contentsAmong wine lovers, there will always be those who prefer a taste for red wine. red wine or white wine, and this is something natural because each of these wines has characteristics that make them so particular, and not only in terms of their tones and flavor.
For this reason, one of the most frequently asked questions is: What is the difference between white wine and red wine? Although it may seem a simple answer, the reality is that each of them has features that make them special.
As you could notice in the previous article, the processes to make wine of any kind are important, from the evaluation of the grapes to the harvesting of the grapes in the harvestFor this reason, it is necessary to make known the factors that make the wine you regularly drink, your favorite.
If you want to know, therefore, what are the specific differences between red wine and white wine, keep reading this article in which we will explain in detail the aspects that make them two very different beverages.
1.- Type of grape
The main factor by which red wine and white wine can be differentiated is the type of grape used to make this beverage. There is a great variety of grapes used for this process; first of all we have the grapes for red wine, among which are the following: Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir. Syrah, Grenache, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignonamong others.
On the other hand, the following types of grapes are used to produce white wine: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, among many others.
The use of this type of grape directly influences the aromas of the wine, as well as its characteristic color, which is the property that distinguishes it from the first glance.
2.- Processing methods
Indeed, as you know, the color of the wine is the feature that allows us to distinguish in the first place between these two beverages, and in addition to the type of grape used for its production, the way and method used to obtain them also has a great influence.
The main difference between red and white wine, in terms of elaboration, lies in the process of maceration of the grapes, since for the former the complete grapes are included, i.e. the seeds, skins and skin of the fruit are added to obtain the peculiar color and flavor of red wine.
As for white wine, which is a more crystalline beverage with a yellow color ranging from faint to more intense, it obtains these features because the grapes undergo a maceration process without including their skins and skins, but only the juice of their pulp is fermented, so they acquire practically no coloring.
Something you may not know is that it is possible to make white wines from red grapes. The reason is simple, as explained above, the fact that there is no contact with the skin allows the grape juice or must to acquire no color.
3.- Forms of consumption
In addition to the winemaking process and the type of grape, these wines differ in the way in which they are to be consumed, both in terms of the glasses in which they are drunk and in the manner in which they are consumed. wine tastingThe temperature they require to get the most out of their properties and flavor.
This is where wine oxidation comes into play, which can change the flavors and aromas if not served properly. Red wine requires greater contact with the air, that is to say, greater oxygenation so that its complex flavors can stand out even more. White wine, on the other hand, does not require it as much.
For this purpose, these wines are served in different types of glasses. Red wine is consumed in a medium or large glass with a larger opening so that more oxygen can enter the drink, while white wine can be served in a small glass with a reduced opening.
The temperature at which these wines are served must also be considered. It is recommended that red wine be between 15 and 18 degrees for consumption, while white wines are consumed cooler, between 7 and 12 degrees depending on their type.
4.- Pairing
One of the most relevant distinctions between white and red wines that most people identify is the pairing, since it is known that depending on the type of wine will be the recommended food to accompany it. Red wines, for example, are known to pair with cheeses, red meats and certain types of fish such as tuna and salmon.
The pairing of white wine is associated with fish, seafood and white meats such as chicken or turkey, however it is also a very good companion for pasta and dishes such as risotto.
4.- Flavor and aroma
Finally, as mentioned above, wines are distinguished mainly by their flavor and aroma, due to the winemaking processes, as well as the types of grapes used.
This factor is the one that will make most people opt for a single type of wine, as it will depend on the particular tastes of each person. First of all, white wine is characterized by having a more acidic sensation on the palate, some of them may even include citrus and floral flavors and aromas depending on the wine being tasted.
Red wines, on the other hand, are usually associated with aromas of black or red fruits, whether ripe or even as if it were a jam, however this will also depend on the type of red wine and the grape used for its production, as they may include fruity flavors and aromas, and even with variants such as nuts, coffee, chocolate, or woody tones that may depend on their stay in barrels.
Each of these distinctions allows us to recognize the particular properties of both red and white wines. Now that you know the differences between each of them, we hope you can enjoy your favorite wine even more.
If you are looking for more information about the world of wine we invite you to keep an eye out for upcoming posts on our blog, at Vinos El Cielo we are constantly creating new content for you.
