Most wine enthusiasts will find it relatively easy to choose a wine gift for someone. However, suppose you aren’t knowledgeable about wine basics. In that case, it could be challenging to know which type of aged wine to buy. I wanted to share the differences between Red wine versus White wine, hopefully giving you insightful knowledge of each along the way.
Complexity
Red wines are more complex and have more depth, and they are usually made from black or red grapes. Fermenting dark grapes are crucial to why red wines are more robust and flavorful than white wines.
All grape parts are left in the squeezed juice during the fermentation of red wines. This includes seeds, stems, and grape skin. The solids produce a higher amount of tannins. The seeds, stems, skin steep in the juice and add color and intense flavor to the wine.
Endless varieties are available for your choosing. Popular ones include; Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlots, and Pinot Noir. Any of these wine types would be a welcome gift to the wine lover.
On the other hand, white wines are mostly made from green grapes, resulting in a lighter, crisper wine. During the fermentation process for white wines, the solids are gently strained and removed once the juice is extracted from the grapes. White wine is created from green grapes and is lighter in color, and gives a less sophisticated flavor profile than red wine.
During aging, tannins provide the fantastic benefit of fighting off oxidation. They are significant in red wine production due to the long aging process used. As the wine ages, tannins add more flavor to the wine, and this process creates a more robust and flavorful wine. Tannins produce a sharpness to the wine that mellows with age and is tamed by letting the wine breathe before serving.
White wines also come in a wide assortment of types. The most popular white wine in the United States is Chardonnay. Other good choices would include white Zinfandels or Sauvignon Blanc. White wine makes an excellent gift option that will be welcomed by most wine enthusiasts.
When choosing which wine to bring as a hostess gift, you must consider what is on the menu. You will want to pair the wine with the food in a complementing manner. It is generally accepted that you serve light wines with lighter foods and robust wines with heavier or spicier foods.
Both red and white wines come in a wide range of price points, so choosing a wine gift that suits both the recipient and your pocketbook will be easy.
