There are certainly some key differences between red wines and white wines. While they both come from grapes, the winemaking process and characteristics of the finished wines can vary greatly between reds and whites. Some of the major differences have to do with the grape varieties used, skin contact in winemaking, tannin levels, and serving temperature. Understanding these differences can help guide your wine selection and enjoyment.
Grape Varieties
One of the biggest differences between red and white wine is the grapes used to produce them. Red wines are typically made from red or black grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Malbec, and Grenache among others. The grapes get their color from pigments in the grape skin. White wines are most commonly produced from green or yellow grape varieties including Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, and Gewürztraminer. The juice from white grapes is typically lighter in color. So the initial grape variety and its color are key determinants of whether a red or white wine will be produced.
Winemaking Process
The winemaking process itself differs significantly for red and white wines, mainly around the treatment of the grape skins. To make white wine, the grapes are crushed and pressed, then the skins, seeds, and stems are quickly separated from the juice. Only the extracted grape juice is fermented. With red wines, the crushed grapes including skins and even some stems go directly into a fermentation tank and ferment together. This extended skin contact, a process called maceration, allows the color pigments and tannins from the skins to leach into the fermenting juice and provides the distinctive red color. The stems can also add herbaceous notes in some red wines. Maceration typically lasts days or weeks for red wines versus just hours for whites.
Tannin Levels
That maceration process also leads to a key chemical difference between reds and whites – their tannin levels. Tannins are polyphenol compounds found primarily in the skins, seeds, and stems of grapes. As red wines soak with these grape solids over an extended period, they extract much higher concentrations of tannins. Whites have negligible tannin levels in comparison. Tannins provide structure, aging potential and that mouth-drying, puckering quality in some reds. They also act as a preservative. The lower tannin, higher acidity and lack of skin-derived antioxidants in white wines means they generally have a shorter shelf life than most reds.
Serving Temperature
The conventional serving temperature is another obvious difference between reds and whites. Room temperature is often recommended for full-bodied reds which allows their aromas and flavors to fully open up. Light-bodied reds like Pinot Noir are sometimes served slightly cooler, around 60-65°F (15-18°C). Whites are typically served well chilled, around 45-50°F (7-10°C) which enhances their crispness and refreshing quality. The exceptions are fuller-bodied whites like Chardonnay which can be served closer to 55°F (13°C). Drinking reds too cold can mute their fruit while serving whites too warm makes them seem dull and flabby.
Color
While differences in grape variety and winemaking lead to the general color distinction between red and white wines, it’s worth looking closer at their actual colors. The range can be surprising. Red wines range from light ruby tones in Pinot Noir to inky, opaque purple-black in some full-bodied reds. White wines hold a spectrum from pale straw yellow to deep gold. Within these ranges, factors like grape variety, oak aging, fermentation practices and climate can all alter the final hue. Wines even pick up color from the soils and site where the grapes are grown. So color alone doesn’t always indicate lightness or richness of flavor.
Common Wine Varieties
| Red Wines | White Wines |
|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon | Chardonnay |
| Merlot | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Pinot Noir | Riesling |
| Syrah | Pinot Grigio |
| Malbec | Gewürztraminer |
| Grenache | Moscato |
Here are some of the major red and white wine varieties that exemplify the differences between the two categories. Reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah and Malbec are known for their bold flavors, high tannin structure, and suitability for oak aging. Whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio are appreciated for their crisp acidity, flinty minerality, and refreshing fruit flavors. Chardonnay exhibits more richness when oak-aged but still maintains a lighter body than most reds. Moscato is a sweet, low-alcohol white. Getting to know the classic grapes makes it easier to navigate wine stores and menus.
Regional Differences
Wine production regions often specialize in either red or white wines based on their local climate and soil conditions. Cooler climate regions like Burgundy, the Mosel Valley, and Willamette Valley favor Pinot Noir, Riesling and other lighter reds and whites. Warmer regions like Bordeaux, Piedmont, Rioja, and Napa excel with Cabernet, Tempranillo, Chardonnay and fuller-bodied reds. Australia and South America produce plenty of big, fruity Shiraz and Malbec. It’s not an absolute rule though – for example, Alsace and Austria produce complex whites but also medium-bodied reds. Getting to know a region helps predict if it will specialize in reds, whites, or both.
Food Pairings
Red and white wines differ significantly in their usual food pairings, owed to contrasts in texture, flavors, and acidity levels. Bold, tannic reds pair well with fatty, intensely flavored meats like grilled steak, lamb, and venison. Light-bodied reds go nicely with chicken, turkey, duck, and some cheeses. Dry whites pair splendidly with seafood like halibut, snapper, and shrimp. Fruity, aromatic whites complement spicy Asian dishes. Off-dry Riesling matches polarity foods like curry and Thai cuisine. Acidic whites refresh salads and vegetables. Sparkling wines partner with hors d’oeuvres and brunch. Knowing the wine styles opens up many food pairing possibilities.
Health Benefits
Research shows that grapes and wines contain polyphenols and antioxidants that may offer modest health benefits. Resveratrol in red wine may help protect blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol and prevent blood clots. The catch is you only get these perks through moderate wine consumption, not heavy drinking. And experts debate the extent of any health advantage red holds over white – both can provide benefits. For instance, whites have antioxidant and anti-allergy properties from flavonoids like quercetin. Any health gains require wise drinking in line with dietary guidelines, whether your wine pick is red or white.
Price Differences
Red wines generally command a higher retail price in the global wine market compared to whites. The reasons include:
– Longer aging potential so reds may keep improving in bottle for decades while whites peak earlier
– Added cost and wood to age reds in oak barrels
– Smaller yields of top red grape varieties like Pinot Noir
– Prestige and collectability of famous reds like Bordeaux and Barolo
– Higher production costs for maceration, fermentation, and cellaring
Of course, there are inexpensive mass-market reds and some very pricy white wines like Grand Cru Burgundy. But shoppers will usually find the most affordable wine options among white varieties.
Conclusion
Red and white wines unquestionably differ in their grape varieties, winemaking techniques, flavors, textures, and usage conventions. But they share an equal capacity to delight and excite wine lovers everywhere. The beauty is having two distinct branches of wine to explore and enjoy. Whether sipping a velvety red or a zesty white, understanding their core contrasts will guide you to your perfect pour. The most important difference may be having wine options for any palate, cuisine, or occasion. With an abundance of reds and whites to choose from, wine lovers can discover new favorites every bottle.
