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The Difference between
Red and White wines
Apart from the obvious fact that white wines come
from white grapes and red wines from red grapes, it need not
be so. It is an interesting fact to know that white wines
are made by pressing the grapes to extract the juice and are
not left in contact with the skins of the grape. On the other
hand, if the same process was followed with red grapes, they
too would be “white” in colour, or at best light
pink. It is because the juice from the red grapes is left
in contact with the skins, that it picks up the deep red colour
that we see. The longer the contact the more the colour is
extracted into the wine. Both wine styles are made using the
same basic process of fermentation, however winemakers have
many skilled techniques they use to define their particular
wine. It is fair to say one of the the main differences in
winemaking between red and white wines is the practice of
aging red wine in oak barrels whereas this is not nearly as
common with white wines.
Wine Types and Styles
There are many different types of grape varieties
and just as many wine styles, Sauterne, Port, Sherry, Cava,
Chianti, Champagne, Rioja and so on, but too many to realistically
cover in a small article such as this, so here are some of
the more commonly encountered varieties. Those who wish to
know more will be able to discover a world of literature dedicated
specifically to these subjects. World renowned authors such
as Jancis Robertson, publish very readable material that does
not get too bogged down in the specifics. I can recommend
her “wine tasting handbook” published by Conran
Octopus Limited in Great Britain, as a good all round start
to wine, from varieties to how to develop your palate.
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