[Wine Knowledge You're Too Afraid to Ask 01] What's the Difference Between Red Wine and White Wine?

Do you know the difference between red wine and white wine? Some of you may be wondering, "Aren't they just different colors?" There is nothing wrong with the colors being different, but red wine and white wine are largely different in terms of the grape varieties and production methods. This time, we will introduce the differences between them.

 

What is wine anyway?

It refers to brewed alcohol made from fruit, but generally speaking, "brewed alcohol made from grapes" is called wine. Brewed alcohol is made by fermenting fruits or grains with yeast, either directly or after saccharification, into alcohol. Wine, beer, Shaoxing wine, etc. are examples of brewed alcohol.

 

The difference between grape varieties

Wine is made from grapes, but there are many types of grapes. Red wine and white wine are made from different grape varieties.

White wine can be made from either white or black grapes. White wine is made using only juice and is not affected by the color of the skins. Therefore, compared to red wine, it has a clean, fruity grape flavor.

 

 

·red wine
The main ingredient for red wine is black grape varieties. All parts of the grapes are used, including the juice, skins, and seeds. By using black grapes, which contain the pigment "anthocyanin" in their skins, as the main ingredient, red wine is produced.

 

Differences in manufacturing methods

・White wine is made by fermenting only the juice <br>After harvesting white or black grapes, the skins are broken and the grapes are crushed (crushed). The skins and seeds are then removed and only the juice is taken out (pressed). This extracted juice is then fermented to make white wine. Because the skins and seeds are not used, it only contains a slight astringency, has a high acidity and a sharp taste.

 

・Red wine is fermented with whole grapes <br>After harvesting black grapes, they are "crushed" and then fermented with the juice, including the skins and seeds, into alcohol without being "pressed". The color and astringent (tannin) components contained in the skins and seeds give red wine its unique astringency and richness. The stronger the astringency, the more satisfying the drink will be.

 

 

Food that goes well with it

If the flavors are different, you may be wondering what dishes go well with them. By pairing them with dishes that go well with them, the deliciousness of each dish will be enhanced. Generally, red wine goes well with meat dishes and white wine goes well with fish dishes, but it can also be enjoyed with familiar foods, so please give it a try.

 

・Red wine goes well with soy sauce-based dishes . Teriyaki and hamburger steaks are a perfect match for the bitterness of red wine. You can enjoy it even more by pairing it with stews that have been carefully simmered to bring out the flavor, or dishes with complex flavors that use multiple seasonings.

 

・White wine goes well with dishes that let you enjoy the ingredients . The acidity of white wine is perfect for fried chicken and pork cutlets. For example, it pairs beautifully with white wine, just like squeezing lemon. It can also be paired with sashimi, salads, and other vegetables to brighten up the start of a meal.

 

What did you think? Red wine and white wine have different flavors, which is why they go well with different dishes. The appeal of wine is that you can enjoy it according to your mood and the food you pair it with. We also offer recommended pairings, so please take a look.