The main difference between red and white wine is the type of grapes used and their production process. That is; the red wine is made with red grapes, and the production involves skins and seeds of the grapes while the white wine is made with yellow or green grapes and the production does not involve skin and seeds of the grapes.
Red wine and white wine are the main two types of wine. The difference between red and white wine doesn’t depend on their colour. More to the colour, there are many differences such as production, flavour, aroma, health benefits and the food to pair them with. Also, there are various types of red wine and white wine.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Red Wine
– Definition, Production, Types
2. What is White Wine
– Definition, Production, Types
3. Difference Between Red and White Wine
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Red Wine, White Wine, Wine
What is Red Wine
Red wine is a wine with a dark red colour that is made from black grapes, including their skins. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, etc. are some varieties of red wine. In fact, the red colour of red wine actually comes from the skins and seeds of the grapes. The colour of the wine can range from intense violet (mostly in young wines) to brick red (in mature wines) and brown (in older red wines).
Moreover, the alcohol content of red wine usually ranges from 12–15%. If consumed moderately, red wine has several health benefits due to its high content of antioxidants.
Few Types of Red Wine
Cabernet Sauvignon – This is the most planted grape in the world, and the wine is perfect with any type of meat.
Merlot – The second poplar red wine after Cabernet Sauvignon, this wine is fruity and tasty.
Point Noir – This is a very light and delicate red wine
Shiraz- Also known as Syrah in France and Europe, this wine is spicy and bold.
Sangiovese – This is the biggest red grape in Italy, and good with dishes like pasta and pizza.
What is White Wine
White wine refers to a wine with a pale yellow colour that is made from green or yellow grapes, or from black grapes without their skins. When compared to red wine, white wine is often considered to be lighter and more refreshing in both style and taste. Thus, they are often offered as apéritifs before a meal, as a refreshing drink between meals or with dessert. Also, there are a wide variety of white vines, with differences in varieties of grapes, method of production, etc.
Few Types of White Wines
Chardonnay – one of the most popular and versatile white wines, Chardonnay is a green-skinned grape originating from Burgundy region of France.
Pinot Blanc – although somewhat similar to Chardonnay, it is lighter and more elegant.
Riesling – originating from German vineyards, Riesling is much lighter in comparison to other white wines and has a typical green apple aroma
Sauvignon blanc – coming from the centre of France and the Bordeaux vineyards, this is known for its notable typical vegetable/mineral aroma.
Difference Between Red and White Wine
Definition
Red wine is a wine with a red colour that is made from red grapes, including their skins while white wine is a wine with a pale yellow colour that is made from green or yellow grapes without their skins.
Grapes
While red wine is made with red or black grapes, white wine is made with yellow and green grapes.
Colour
Moreover, the colour of red wine ranges from intense violet to brick red to brown while white wine is actually golden or yellow in colour.
Parts of Grapes
Red wine uses the skins and seeds of the grapes, but seeds and skins are removed in white wine production.
Ageing
Most red wines are aged in oak barrels while white wines are usually aged in stainless steel vats or cast iron vessels.
Food
There are various types of red wine to go with every type of food while most people drink white wine without food or with lighter food.
Tannin Content
A glass of red wine may have a higher content of tannin than a glass of white wine.
Sugar Content
Red wine typically has a higher sugar content than white wine.
Antioxidants
Moreover, red wine contains more powerful antioxidants than white wine.
Conclusion
Red wine is a wine with a red colour that is made from red grapes, including their skins while white wine refers to a wine with a pale yellow colour that is made from green or yellow grapes without their skins. There is a distinctive difference between red and white wine in terms of the grapes, production process, flavour and aroma, health benefits and food.
Reference:
1. “The Different Types of White Wine.” Marketview Liquor Blog, 13 Sept. 2018, Available here.
2. Menza, Kaitlin. “A Quick Red Wine Guide for Your Next Dinner Party.” Delish, Delish, 13 Sept. 2019, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “Clear wine glass with red wine” (CC0) via Pikrepo
2. “White wine in a glass with a full bottle, grapes and leaves on a white wooden background” (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr
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