White Wine vs Red Wine Taste: What’s the Real Difference?
It’s been an argument for centuries — which wine is better, red or white?
They’re both made with grapes, but that’s where the similarity ends.
The type of grapes, where they’re grown, and how they’re fermented and processed can determine which wine satisfies your palette better.
Differences Between Red and White Wines
Red and black grapes make red wine, and white grapes make white wine, and that's the obvious difference between the two types of wine. The skin and seeds from red or black grapes produce tannins during the fermentation process, which gives red wine its pucker power and colour.
Some common red wine grapes are:
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Bordeaux Blend
- Pinot Noir
- Sangiovese
White wine stays white because of the removal of skins and seeds before fermentation. Some typical white wine grapes are:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Pinot Grigio
- Chardonnay
- Riesling
Learn more about different types of wine grape varieties that grow in our Northern BC region?
Differences in wine fermentation process
Stainless steel vats and cast iron vessels hold the grapes during the fermentation of white wine to prohibit oxidation which, if allowed, would diminish the fruity and floral notes. White wines win the hearts of many with their floral bouquets, fruity aromas, and robust acidity.
Red wine uses oak barrels to hold the fermenting grapes. These barrels are porous and allow oxygen to weaken the floral and fruity notes and lower acidity while changing them to a smoother, rich, nutty flavour. Red wine lovers can’t get enough of the velvety-soft, rich and smooth flavours that red wine offers.
Health Benefits
White wine is naturally lower in sugar than red wine, so it’s a great choice for people with diabetes, low-carb dieters, or anyone who prefers less sugar content. Red wine may have more natural sugar, but it also contains polyphenol resveratrol, an antioxidant known to decrease bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol while improving blood vessel function. If you are concerned about cholesterol levels, you may want to consider red wine. While both white and red wine provide some health benefits, keep in mind that drinking wine in excess can have negative health consequences.
Red and White Wine Food Pairings
Selecting the right bottle of wine to go with your meal can enhance your flavour profile.
Red wines pair marvelously with fatty meats like:
- Ribs
- Pork
- Hamburgers
- Steak
- Lamb
White wines pair nicely with foods like:
- Cheese
- Poultry
- Vegetables
- Sweet desserts
- Fish
So, is it Red or is it White?
Whatever your preference, Larch Hills has you covered.
We use superior grapes grown in the cooler climates of the highest hills in Northern BC. The result? The best wines you’ll ever taste.
But don’t just take our word for it — shop our wine selection
to discover the delectable tastes you’ve been missing out on.
