In recent posts on our blog, we’ve talked about some of the products we offer at Goinsitu. First, we focused on cheese, and then we shifted to wine. In that last article, we shared key tips on how to properly taste wine, as well as the main characteristics of the barrels used in aging. However, we haven’t yet discussed something more basic: the main differences between red wine and white wine.

The Importance of the Grape

The first and most essential difference between red and white wine lies in the nature of the grape itself. Grapes play a central role in shaping the color and type of wine. Many people believe that wine gets its color from the pulp of the grape, but the truth is that the color comes from the grape’s skin. The pigments that give wine its hue are found in the skin, while the pulp is actually colorless. This is something you can see in grape must, which has no color regardless of the grape variety.

There’s only one exception: tintorera grapes, which have colored pulp. But apart from this rare case, it is during the maceration process that wine takes on its final color. In this stage, pigments from the grape’s skin are transferred into the wine, defining whether it becomes red or white.

Differences Beyond Color

While color is the most obvious difference, it’s not the only one. The winemaking process also varies between red and white wines. For white wine, maceration occurs at a temperature between 17 and 19°C (62–66°F). In contrast, red wine is macerated at higher temperatures, typically between 25 and 26°C (77–79°F), and aged red wines can even reach up to 30°C (86°F).

Taste is another factor that sets them apart. White wines tend to be more acidic than red wines. This is due to tannins, which are more mature in red wines and “greener” in white wines. These tannins affect the texture, structure, and flavor of the wine. The timing of the grape harvest also plays a role: white grapes are usually picked earlier than red ones.

Nutritional Differences Between White wine and red wine

When it comes to nutritional values, red wine typically contains more calories and a higher alcohol content than white wine. Additionally, red wine tends to have a higher mineral content.

In short, red wine will generally contribute more calories than white wine.

That said, each wine is unique, and the best way to truly appreciate them is through a wine tourism experience like the ones we offer at Goinsitu. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the world of wine through expert-led tastings and guided tours of vineyards and wineries.