ISFMA the Blog

Wine lovers tend to be very aware that all red wines are not the same, although the average person may not realize there are differences that extend beyond the label on the bottle. In reality, there are at least 50 key varieties of red wine and the colors can range from light red and ruby red to opaque purple and almost black. Even the flavor can vary greatly among the varieties, ranging from fruity to having a hint of tobacco. Learning more about reds is a great way to develop an appreciation for this versatile wine type.

The color and flavor of red wines is a combination of the wine making process and the variety of grapes used. Grapes used to make reds range from deep red to purple to blue and the skins are left on during fermentation. The skins contribute to the varieties of color and, along with the grape seed, determine the amount of tannins in the finished product.

The longer the skins are left in contact with the fermenting grapes, the deeper the color and the higher the tannin content. Reds with the highest tannin content are considered full-bodied, like Cabernet, while lower tannin content gives medium-bodied Merlot or light-bodied Beaujolais. The fruity reds, which are named because of their flavor not because there is any sweetness, have the lowest tannin content of all the reds.

The variety of colors of red wines is not the only product of fermenting the grapes with the skin. Flavenoids, which are known as antioxidants, are present in both the grape seed and skin, and they escape into the wine during fermentation. Because of this, a fuller-bodied wine has a higher flavenoid content. As a result, four ounces per day can help reduce bad cholesterol and clotting, while raising good cholesterol levels. Flavenoids have also been linked to the formation of nerve cells, which could help people avoid Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases, as well as the inhibited growth of certain types of cancer cells.

The difference between types of Red Wines extends beyond what is written on the label. The differences, such as subtle variations in color, flavor and aroma, have been perfected by wine makers to make each red as different from another as the reds are from the whites. Those subtle differences begin with the grapes, but they are perfected in the winery. Fully appreciating the differences begins with learning and understanding more about them.