A wine’s taste and smell can differ based on things like the grape variety and fermentation process. White wines mostly have a dry, crisp, fruity flavor. While red wines tend to have a rich and bitter taste. But the main difference is in the process of making wine. Red wine is fermented with grape skins which gives it a different smell and taste. Keep reading to learn more about the differences between red and white wine.
Tannins, Acids, and Sweetness
The difference between red and white wine comes down to taste and smell. The taste and smell of red and white wine differ because of the different types of grapes used to make them. Red wine is made from black grapes, which have a high tannin content. Tannins are bitter compounds that give red wine its astringent taste. They also contribute to the wine’s color and aging potential. White wine is made from green or yellow grapes, which have a low tannin content. This difference in tannin levels accounts for the majority of the taste and smell differences between red and white wines.
Acids also play a role in the taste of red and white wines. Tartaric acid, which is found at high levels in red grapes, gives red wine its sour taste. Lactic acid, which is found in higher levels in white grapes, gives white wine its slightly sweet/sour taste. Finally, sweetness contributes to the flavor of both red and white wines. The type of sugar present in the grape juice (fructose or glucose) determines whether a wine will be sweet or dry. Glucose produces drier wines, while fructose produces sweeter wines.
Grape Varietals and Fermentation
The taste and smell of red and white wine differ because of the different types of grapes used to make them. Red wine is made from dark-skinned grapes that have a lot of tannins, which gives it a bitter taste. Red wines are made from grape varietals like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah, while white wines are made from lighter-colored grape varietals like Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. White wine is made from light-skinned grapes that have less tannin and, therefore, a more sweet taste. The different grape skins also affect the smell of the wines. Red wine smells fruity and strong, while white wine smells like flowers or apples.
The fermentation process also has an impact on the wine. Red wines are typically made with grapes that have been allowed to ferment with their skins for a longer period of time, while white wines are fermented with the skins removed. The anthocyanins and tannins present in red grape skins add color and flavor compounds to the wine, which is why red wines tend to taste more fruity, spicy, and earthy than white wines.
How Wines are Served
There is a misconception that red wines tend to have a higher alcohol content and that influences taste and smell. In general, however, there are few alcohol distinctions between red and white wine. So, why do people think that red wines are more alcoholic than white wines? One reason may be that red wines are usually served at a warmer temperature than white wines. Warmer temperatures cause the alcohol in wines to taste more intense. The warmer temperature also tends to enhance the ethanol smell in red wine.
So the difference between red and white wines comes down to the grape skins and fermentation. Red wines are made with grapes that have been crushed, and the skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation. This results in a wine that is higher in tannin and anthocyanin. White wines are made with grapes that have been pressed and the skins are removed before fermentation. Red wine tastes fruity and full-bodied, while white wine tastes acidic and light. Overall, red wine has a more intense flavor, while white wine is more refreshing.
