Red Wine, White Wine: Which Do You Prefer, and Why? [By Kelechi Deca]

Last week I made a post on the health benefits of Red Wine. Someone came inbox to ask me the differences between Red and White wine. I think the differences stem from the sources, and method of preparation of both.

Basically, red wines such as the popular Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Shiraz etc. are made with red grapes, while the white wines such as the Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc among others are made with white grapes.

Historically, all wines were initially made from just one type of grape which were black grapes, but along the line natural mutation created the first white grapes.

Tracing that mutation journey is like tracing the evolution of wines from red to gray, then to while. This is because Pinot Noir which came from black grapes gave us the red wine, and the in-between species (gray grape) gave us the Pinot Gris, while the white grape gave us the Pinot Blanc, but deep down, they all came from the same mother.

Aside from the different types of grapes used, another very important aspect is the process deployed in achieving desired results. While red wines are fermented with the grape skins and seeds, the white wines are not.

This method impacts on the colour of the wines. The red retains the reddish colour of the skin of the red and black grapes, while white wines remain white sparkling, reflecting the inside colour of skinless grapes. There are few exceptions to this rule which is adopted in making some special wines.

For example, for wines referred to as Orange Wines, the grapes are fermented with their skins and seeds which gives the wines similar tastes and benefits as white wines.

Also, we have the case of the Champagne known as “Blanc de Noirs”, there is also the White Pinot Noir, or Pinot d’Alsace, these are special few exceptions.

Many who love red wine have preference for their soft, rich, and velvety flavors, whereas white wines give that unique zesty acidity, floral aromas, and pure fruit notes which some people with certain palates for such love to the heavens.

To fully achieve these specifications, wine makers deploy an oxidation process which causes the wines to lose their floral and fruit notes in exchange for rich, nutty flavors and more smoothness.

To raise the oxygen levels, oak barrels are used because they allow the wines to breathe and ingest oxygen. But to reduce oxygen, stainless steel tanks are deployed which helps to box in the grapes, detaining all their natural fruitiness and flower flavours. Oxygenation is the life source of red wines; lack of oxygen is the soul of white wines.

On which one is better. I think it is a matter of personal choice, and individual tastes. But on which is healthier, both are quite healthy, but if your doctor or nutritionist has ever advised that you incorporate grapes into your diet because they are heart healthy, helps relax the vessels, thus great for your blood pressure, and have loads of antioxidants which are great for your overall wellbeing, then red wines gat ya back.

So when you visit Naija Liquor to make your picks, let this knowledge guide you. That is, if you are yet unconverted.

This is because what makes grapes healthy are in their skins and seeds. These antioxidants, such as polyphenols, resveratrol, flavonoids, and tannins are locked.

But when it comes to food, white wines do a better job, especially with fish, steak, and vegetables. They on banging levels with the ahhhhhh feeling, and cool ooohhhh aftertaste.