Red And White Wine: The Difference
Author: Frank Sousa

Like many other people, you probably enjoy an occasional glass
of wine. You've probably tried various red wines and white
wines. But do you know the difference between reds and whites?
The color, obviously, but there are other factors that make
reds and whites quite different.

Both red wine and white wine can be either dry or sweet, or
anywhere in between. But in general, reds are more robust and
more complex than white wines. White wines tend to be lighter,
without the complexity of reds. This basic difference has more
to do with how the wines are fermented than it does with the
grapes. Although red wines are generally made with red and
black grapes, and white wines are usually made from green
grapes, this isn't always the case.

The main difference between red and white wines is the
fermentation process. When making white wine, the stems, seeds,
and grape skins are removed from the grape juice after pressing.
With red wines, the grape stems, seeds, and skins are left in
the juice. Because of this, tannins and pigments will leach out
of the stems, seeds, and skins into the grape juice. It's these
tannins that produce the complexity of red wines.

Tannins are compounds present in grapes and other plants. Tea
also contains tannins... if you've ever drank a strong cup of
tea, the bitter, astringent taste is caused by these tannins.
In wine, these tannins act to prevent oxidation of the wine
while it ages. This is important in red wines, since reds are
generally aged and matured for a longer period of time than
white wines. The tannins present in red wine also provide
another layer of flavor, increasing the complexity of the wine,
and making it more robust. The astringency of the tannins will
diminish and mellow as the wine ages.

Both red and white wines make an excellent addition to your
meal. There are no hard and fast rules for matching wine and
food, but the differences in wine do provide some guidelines.
Usually red wines, because of their complexity will match
better with a strong flavored meal. White wines, with their
lighter body and taste match better with chicken or fish. But
the main factor in choosing a wine for a meal is your own
taste. Whether you prefer a light, white wine, or a full-bodied
red, just choose whatever wine you prefer to accompany your
meal, and enjoy!


About The Author: Learn more about wines and winemaking at
http://www.wine-country-guide.com