|
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!
|