Imagine yourself at a restaurant, with your friends. You are presented with a wine list that includes a variety of white, red and rose wines. Which wine should you choose? What’s the difference in white wine, rose wine and red wine? What wine goes best with your favorite dishes?
All of these are common questions we all ask. Many of us, whether we’re wine enthusiasts, waiters, or people who want to learn more, would like to make an informed decision that matches our tastes and what is being served. We are here to help. We love sharing our knowledge with you and helping you discover your favorite. Find out what makes wine different, and when you should choose a particular variety.
Understanding Red, White and Rose Wines
What is Red Wine?
Red wine is the classic choice of wine lovers. Red wine is a classic favorite amongst wine lovers. Its deep purple and burgundy colors, as well as its flavor and texture, are derived from the grape skins. These wines are made by pressing grapes, allowing the juice and skins to ferment together and then pressing them again. Pinot Noir and Garnache are lighter red wines made from grapes with thin skin. If the grapes’ skins are thicker, they produce wines that are robust and full-bodied. These wines include Cabernet Sauvignons, Petite Sirahs, Tempranillos, and others.
What is White Wine?
White Wine has a milder flavor profile and is usually sweeter than red wine. White wine is usually made from grapes with a light skin (although it can also be produced with black or red grapes). It has a honey or pale color. White wine winemakers do not keep the skins and seeds that are left over from the red wine fermenting process. Instead, they discard them and end up with crisp Sauvignon Blanc, aromatic Albarino and Chardonnay.
What is Rose Wine?
Rose Wine is a delicious blend between red and white wines. It can be dry or fruity and has a distinctive dragon fruit or salmon-pink hue. After crushing red or purple grapes and letting them macerate with their juices for several hours, or even a few days, rose wine is made. The flavors and juices are a reflection of the color, which gives the skin its profile and color. The lighter the color, the shorter maceration time. Rose wines are popular for their bold Syrahs, savory Tempranillos, spicy Cabernet Sauvignons, and others.
How to Age a Wine for Perfection
Aging plays a major role in the production of red, white and rose wines. Winemakers are very particular about how to age these products. Oak barrels and stainless steel tanks are two of the most popular options.
Oak Barrels
Oak offers winemakers several benefits. Oak can add complexity to wine by adding vanilla, spice or nuttiness. Oak barrels allow for oxygenation and can round out and smooth the flavors in the wine. These barrels also add tannins to the wine over time, so you need to know when it is best to stop barreling and begin bottling. Oak barrels can be used to enhance the flavor of red and white wines.
Tanks made of Stainless Steel
Unlike oak barrels stainless steel retains the original characteristics of wine and its sweetness. This form of aging does not add any flavors and is perfect for winemakers that want to keep the freshness of their wine. Steel tanks are airtight and winemakers can control oxidation speed.
Selecting the Best Wine for Your Occasion
It’s crucial to select the wine that best suits your taste. Here are some wine occasions, whether you want to pair wine with food or an event.
Red Wine Occasions
- Romantic dinner
- Autumn or Winter Evening
- Formal Event
- You can make hearty meals with beef, venison or duck, pastas, stews, and more.
White Wine Occasions
- Gatherings in the spring or summer
- Lighter meals such as pasta, seafood, or chicken
- Brunches
- Aperitifs are served before meals
Rose Wine Occasions
- Summer picnics
- Gatherings at the poolside
- Tapas, desserts, fruits and vegetables, or charcuterie
- Bridal showers
