Did you know that August 28th is National Red Wine Day? Like we need a ‘day’ to enjoy a glass of wine!! Either way, searching ‘restaurants near me’ for the best wine in town will provide many options. Or, you can come to Cello’s, where we’ll happily pour your favorite glass or provide our recommendations!
If selecting wine seems intimidating, this article is for you. We’re going back to basics and looking at the primary differences between white and red wines.
Let’s Talk Grapes
White wine and red wine are made from different types of grapes and have distinct differences in taste, color, and production process.
One of the primary differences between white and red wine is the type of grape used. White wine is made from white grapes such as Chardonnay, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc, while red wine is made from red grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Pinot Noir.
Production
Another difference between the two is the production process. White wine is made by pressing the grapes and then fermenting the juice, while red wine is made by fermenting the grapes with their skins. This is why red wine has a deeper color than white wine. The skins of red grapes contain pigments called anthocyanins, which give red wine its color.
And, of course, Taste
Taste is another significant difference between white and red wine. White wine is generally lighter and fruitier, with apple, citrus, and pear flavors. Red wine is typically more full-bodied and has flavors like black cherry, plum, and black pepper. Additionally, red wine typically has higher tannin levels, making it taste drier and more astringent.
White wine is usually served chilled and pairs well with seafood, chicken, and salads. Red wine is usually served at room temperature and pairs well with red meat, pasta, and cheese.
In summary, white wine and red wine are made from different grapes, have distinct production processes, and have different tastes, colors, and serving temperatures. White wine is typically lighter and fruitier, while red wine is more full-bodied and has higher tannin levels.