Differences between white wine and red wine
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table of ContentsAmong wine lovers there will always be those who prefer red wine or white wine, and this is natural because each of these has characteristics that make them so unique, 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 like a simple answer, the reality is that each of them has traits that make them special.
As you may have noticed in the previous article, the processes for making wine of any kind are important, from the evaluation of the grapes to their harvest , which is why 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 , continue reading this article in which we will explain in detail the aspects that make them two such different drinks.
1.- Type of grape
The main factor that can differentiate red wine from white wine is the type of grape used to make this drink. There is a wide 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, Garnacha, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon , among others.
On the other hand, the following types of grapes are used to make 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 them at first glance.
2.- Methods of preparation
Indeed, as you know, the colour of the wine is the feature that allows us to distinguish between these two drinks in the first place, and in addition to the type of grape used to make it, the way and method used to obtain them also greatly influences it.
The main difference between red and white wine , in terms of production, lies in the process of maceration of the grapes, since for the former the whole grapes are included, that is to say the seeds, skins and peel of the fruit are added to obtain the colour and peculiar flavour of red wine.
As for white wine , it is a more crystalline drink with a pale to intense yellow color. It obtains these features because the grapes undergo a maceration process without including their skin and peels , but only the juice of their pulp is fermented, so they acquire practically no color.
Something you may not have known 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 or skin allows the juice or must of the grape to not acquire any color.
3.- Forms of consumption
In addition to the production process and the type of grape, these wines differ in the way they should be consumed, both in the glasses in which the wine tasting is done, as well as the temperature they require to get the most out of their properties and flavor.
This is where the oxidation of wine comes into play, which can change the flavours and aromas if not served properly. Red wine requires greater contact with air, that is, greater oxygenation so that its complex flavours can stand out even more. White wine, on the other hand, does not require this as much.
To achieve this, 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 narrow opening.
The temperature at which these wines are served must also be taken into account. It is recommended that red wine be consumed at between 15 and 18 degrees , while white wines are consumed cooler, between 7 and 12 degrees depending on the 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, the recommended food to accompany it will be. Red wines , for example, are known to be accompanied by cheeses, red meats and certain types of fish such as tuna and salmon.
White wine is best paired with fish, seafood and white meats such as chicken or turkey, but it is also a great accompaniment to pasta and dishes such as risotto.
4.- Flavor and aroma
Finally, and as we mentioned above, wines are distinguished mainly by their flavor and aroma, due to the production processes, as well as the types of grapes used.
This factor is what will make most people choose just one type of wine, as it will depend on each person's particular tastes. Firstly, 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 they were a jam, however this will also depend on the type of red wine and the grape used to make it, as they can include fruity flavors and aromas, and even with variants such as nuts, coffee, chocolate, or woody tones that may depend on their time in the barrel.
Each of these distinctions allows us to recognize the very 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 stay tuned for upcoming posts on our blog. At Vinos El Cielo we are constantly creating new content for you.
