How Does a Wine get its Colour?

Have you ever wondered what determines the colour of wine? We all know that wine is made from grapes. Many people think that red wines are made from red-coloured grapes? But its not true, they are made from dark-coloured grapes. The colour of red wines can be described as ruby, crimson red or garnet colour. In white wines, the colour ranges from pale straw colour to deep gold. The colour of the grapes comes from skin contact. The grapes are harvested and destemmed prior to the fermentation process. During the process, the red colour present in the skins of the grapes stains the wine. However, in white wines, the grape juice is separated from the skin before the fermentation process starts. The red colour in the reds is the result of a pigment called anthocyanin. It is responsible for colouring or staining the red wines. It is also found in other fruits such as cherries and blueberries. Some interesting facts pertaining to colour of wine:

• The popular and much-loved Champagne is a blend of red and white grapes. Yes, you read it right. Besides, Chardonnay grapes it also constitutes Pinot Noir and lesser-known Pinot Meunier red grapes.

• Usually, Zinfandel grapes produce a red wine but white Zinfandel is a pink-coloured rose wine. The difference is the method of processing Zinfandel grapes.

• The age of the wine can be determined by the colour of the wine. Red wines tend to lose their colour with age. They turn into a brown colour.

• After losing 85% of anthocyanin (the pigment responsible for colour), the wine will still appear red

• Try to see a red against a white background, you will see the hues or tints. Young red wines flaunt red-violet-blue hues.

We all have heard the older the better when it comes to wine. But beware don’t be so late that it turns brown. So, next time when you decide to host a party or go to a restaurant with your friends or family, you can play a fun facts wine game or a trivia with them and rise as a winner.