Wine Colour Explained

Wine colour is not just a visual attribute, but a window into the soul of the bottle. We want to share with you the art of interpreting the colours of wine, an aspect that reveals much more than it seems at first glance: the history of the wine, its production process and even its character.

What influences the colour of wine?

Wine colour is determined by a complex interplay of factors, where nature and the winemaker's hand play crucial roles:

• Type of grape: Red grapes owe their colour to the anthocyanins present in their skins, whereas white grapes lack this pigmentation.
• Method of production: The contact between the must and the grape skin during fermentation defines the intensity and type of colour. This contact is prolonged in red wines, while in white and rosé wines, it is limited or omitted.
• Age of the wine: Young wines show vibrant colours, such as purple or greenish-yellow. Over time, these tones evolve into garnets, golds or even browns.
• Climate and region: A warm climate produces riper grapes and thus wines with darker and more intense colours.

Main colours and their meaning

Red wines

The reds cover a rich chromatic range that evolves over time:

• Intense purple: Typical of young wines, reflecting freshness and fruit power.
• Bright ruby: Common in balanced and well-structured wines.
• Garnet or brown: Indicates ageing, with more complex and tertiary notes.

White wines

Although more subtle, whites also have a varied palette:

• Pale green: Indicates youth and high acidity, ideal for fresh wines such as Sauvignon Blanc.
• Lemon yellow: Reflects a balance between freshness and ripeness.
• Intense gold: Characteristic of aged or sweet wines, such as aged Chardonnay.

Rosé wines

Pinks, with their delicate tones, are a visual spectacle:

• Pale pink: Light and fresh, perfect for sunny days.
• Salmon: More complex and gastronomic.
• Coral: Vibrant and expressive, ideal for summer wines.

How to interpret the colour of wine

Observing the wine in the glass in natural light or against a white background is the first step to understanding its character. Colour can indicate:

• Acidity level: Brighter, more vibrant colours are usually associated with higher acidity.
• Age: Darker tones in red and more golden tones in whites reflect ageing.
• Possible defects: A cloudy or dull colour may be a sign of storage problems.

Colour as a guide to food pairing

Choosing the right wine depends not only on the taste but also on its colour. Here are some recommendations:

• Dark reds (garnet, purple): Perfect for red meats or spicy dishes.
• Bright whites (lemon yellow): Ideal with fish, seafood and fresh salads.
• Light rosés: Ideal companions for tapas, pasta or light rice dishes.

Curiosities about the colours of wine

Did you know that orange wine, made using ancient techniques, is gaining popularity in the market?

It's golden to amber colour is the result of fermenting white grapes with their skins, as if it were a red wine. In addition, some natural wines have unusual shades due to non-interventionist methods.

Conclusion

The colour of wine is a powerful tool to understand its essence and enjoy it even more. From our online shop, we invite you to explore the diversity of shades in our selection. Whether it is a deep red, a radiant white or a charming rosé, each bottle has a story to tell and a colour that distinguishes it.

Discover your perfect wine and let its colours take you on an unforgettable sensory journey.

 

FAQs

Does the colour of the wine affect its taste? 
Yes, colour can influence the perception of taste; for example, red wines tend to have more robust flavours, while whites are fresher and lighter.

Why are some white wines golden in colour?
White wines can acquire golden tones due to factors such as ageing in oak barrels or oxidation during the ageing process.

How does age affect the colour of wine?
With age, wines tend to lose colour intensity; reds may become lighter and whites may darken.

Is it normal for there to be colour variations within the same wine variety? 
Yes, variations depend on factors such as growing region, winemaking techniques and climatic conditions.

Are there wines without any specific colour? 
Some sparkling or sweet wines may have unusual or unusual colours due to specific production methods or unique blends.

 

_______________

You may be also interested in:

• Types Of Wines
  
• Types of Spanish Wines
• White Wine Basics
• How to Taste Wine
• Types of rosé wine
• Italian Rosé Wine
• What is orange wine?
• What is rosé wine