Red wine color

Types of Red Wine Color

The color of red wine, thus far, significantly affects the wine category henceforth. As a result, red wines display a whole spectrum of colors, and their hues change largely depending on the grape variety, skin contact, and age. These colors range from light, pale, to deep, dark shades of red, purple, or brown. The colors are categorized into three main types, which include the following:

• Lighter Reds

  Lighter reds generally have a pale or weak to medium hue. Normally, these wines have strayed into the territory of light to moderate colors. However, they are often not as concentrated and opaque as the darker counterparts. Still and all, these wines have quicker frames with thinner skins, portraying lesser extraction during production. More importantly, wines like Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Grenache fit into this category. It is noteworthy that their colors come in bright red to coral and light garnet shades.

• Medium Reds

  As medium red wines go, they generally range from moderate to deep shades of red. Besides, they have better balance and body than lighter styles and are yet not as saturated as the fullest reds. Even so, most of these wines feature a decent concentration of color, which arises from grape varietals with moderately heavy skins. Not to mention, this category houses varietals like Merlot, Sangiovese, and Barbera, which range from ruby to carry red in color.

• Darker Reds

  The darker red wines primarily display deep shades, quite often bordering on purple or black. In most cases, full-bodied red wines have thicker grape skins and spend longer periods in the winemaking process. Consequently, they lead to heightened extraction and pigmentation. In addition, wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Malbec integrate this category. Most of the time, they show colors ranging from deep purple and inky black to emerald green.

Hues & Tints of Red Wine Color

Even slight differences thus far, called hues and tints, significantly impact the appearance and perception of red wine. These differences come into play when discussing a wine's color saturation and temperature. Normally, hue refers to the main color, while the tint is the variation within that color. At any rate, red wine comes in a plethora of hues, from bright scarlet to deep purple. These colors change depending largely on grape varietals and winemaking techniques. That said, here are the most common hues and tints in red wine colors:

• Ruby

  Ruby red is a staple red wine color, especially in young wines. This color portrayal tends to be vivid and bright, which most commonly appears in varietals like Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. Rejuvenating this hue in wine fosters a feeling of freshness and vibrancy. On the contrary, it also lacks the body and depth that the darker shades exhibit.

• Garnet

  Through the process of aging, which allows oxidation in wine, ruby gradually develops into garnet. Also, this color displays a warmer and more earthy tone, revealing deep hues instead of bright ones. Often, garnet colors are typical in varietals like Nebbiolo and Merlot. Besides, they present older red wines with a signature vibe of refinement and maturity.

• Brick Red

  Brick red is one of the most common colors, especially with older wines. Actually, it forms when garnet itself ages further through oxidation. Usually, this hue manifests more brown than red, which clearly indicates the wine has quite some aging. Mostly, this color comes in varietals like Chianti and aged Barolo, where we say the tannins and oxidation have caused a long dark drink to mix with life over the years.

• Crimson

  At times, wine enthusiasts prefer this hue for its slightly darker take on ruby. More often than not, crimson comes up with an intense and full-bodied look to it, which is common in young, bold varietals. Habitually, varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz display crimson rather than ruby and garnet. Thus, it has a more profound and richer color indication in wines with vigorous structure and tannins.

Shades of Red Wine Color

Red wines come in various shades, ranging from bright reds to deeper purples. In most cases, the shade depends on the grape variety used and the winemaking process. Additionally, here is a breakdown of the popular shades of red wine color:

• Cerise

  Cerise is often a bright cherry red, a staple for young red wines. Normally, this shade is more or less found in lighter varietals like Gamay and some Pinot Noirs. Mostly, it characterizes a vibrant and fresh appearance, showing the wine's fruit-forward nature.

• Rouge

  Rouge is a classic red color, popularly seen in numerous red wines. It neither appears too dark nor too light but maintains a balanced view instead, which is the reason for its versatility across several varietals. Usually, this shade appears in wines like Chianti and Grenache. Quite often, Rouge maintains that perfect crimson hue, giving an idea of the flavorful profile – fruity yet full-bodied.

• Bordeaux

  The Bordeaux color is a staple in full-bodied red wines. This shade is a deep, dark red that borders on purple. Generally, this color belongs to varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Often, their wines display the rich, deep saturation of Bordeaux, which indicates complexity and depth in flavor.

• Crimson

  Crimson is another bright red shade, common in young and full-bodied reds. Particularly, this color often appears among wines like Syrah and Zinfandel. More importantly, it provides a lively and robust feel, typically promising an intense taste experience of fruit and spice.

• Mahogany

  As for mahogany, it is a rich, brownish-red shade that aging wines commonly develop. This wine color, which usually matures for years in both barrel and bottle, often comes with a slightly oxidized hue. Classically, mahogany appears in Port, Vermouth, and older Rioja, where the wine radiates warmth and complexity.

How to Use Red Wine Color

The diverse nature of red wine color offers a whole lot of insights and practical applications toward appreciation and selection within the culinary world, wine regions, and the home. Here are several ways in which the color of red wine can be of use:

• Assessing Ripeness and Tannin

  Conventionally, the darker the color of the wine, the riper the grapes used, and the more pronounced the tannins. In this case, full-bodied wines like Cabernet Sauvignon present deeper color saturation, while lighter-bodied wines like Pinot Noir display a lighter, more fragile hue. Henceforth, assessing red wine color helps determine the wine profile, influencing personal taste and food pairing.

• Food Pairing

  The color of red wine can also help in food pairing. In a broad sense, lighter reds, say, Pinot Noir and Gamay, pair better with lighter dishes such as poultry and fish. In contrast, fuller-bodied reds, like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, go better with richer meals, including red meats and heavy sauces, simply because they possess more concentration and depth in flavor.

• Serving Temperature

  The visual aspect of red wine color also defines its ideal serving temperature. In this case, lighter reds are best served slightly cooler and at a room temperature. Conversely, full-bodied reds come into their element when served at warmer temperatures. Doing so concentrates their flavors, allowing the wine to breathe and unfold completely.

• Appreciation and Evaluation

  Wine lovers use red wine color to evaluate a wine's quality, age potential, and vintage suitability. To this end, younger wines often have a brighter hue, while older ones appear subdued. Besides, knowing such nuances helps enthusiasts understand better the aging process and its effect on the overall wine character.

• Choosing Wine for Events

  Aesthetically, the variety of colors in red wine allows one to select the most appropriate bottles for different events. Say for a formal dinner, warmer shades of red Bordeaux or Burgundy are fitting. Meanwhile, for a casual gathering, lighter, vibrant colors like Beaujolais are cheerful and welcoming. Besides, selecting the wine based on its color creates a more harmonious and visually appealing experience.

How to Store Red Wine Color

The color of red wine primarily depends on the grape variety used, skin interaction during fermentation, and aging. More often than not, it is crucial to preserve that color, for it will guarantee the wine's integrity and quality as it ages. Here are several ways on how to preserve the color of red wine:

• Proper Temperature Control

  A fundamental point is that storage must be mastered at an ideal temperature of 55°F or 13°C. Any major temperature fluctuation, therefore, leads to chemical reactions that break down color pigments. This scenario, however, will cause loss of deep hues and possibly alter the wine's intended character.

• Humidity Levels

  Typically, a 60% to 70% humidity level keeps corks moist and maintains the wine's color integrity. Please note that a dry cork causes oxygen ingress, which leads to oxidation. Wine oxidation gradually reduces its color saturation and quality, resulting in a dull appearance.

• Dark Glass Bottles

  Interestingly, red wine normally comes housed in dark glass bottles, which helps block light, specifically UV rays, from damaging the pigments. Direct sunlight and artificial light exposure cause photosensitivity. Thus, this process breaks down anthocyanins, the compounds responsible for the red wine's color. Putting the wine in a dark bottle or storing it in dark conditions prevents color fading and keeps the vibrant color intact.

• Horizontal Positioning

  Horizontal wine storage keeps the cork wet, preventing air exposure and reducing oxidation, which affects color. When a bottle is stored on its side, the wine seeps onto the cork, maintaining its moisture level. A dry cork leads to air entry, causing premature oxidation. Oxidation not only affects the flavors but also tarnishes and dulls the pigments in the wine, therefore, diminishing its vibrant appearance.

• Cellar or Wine Fridge

  Finally, long-term storage in a wine cellar or wine fridge with a controlled atmospheric condition ensures that the wine matures gradually without compromising its color. Since these devices provide a consistent climate, the wine develops optimally with well-preserved pigmentation and enhanced flavor profile.

Q & A

Q.1: What gives red wine its color?

A.1: Red wines derive their colors from the concentrations of anthocyanins in the grape skins. The winemaking technique involves maceration, where the skins of red grapes are in contact with the juice for a prolonged period. The longer this contact, the deeper the color; henceforth, the grape variety heavily influences the specific hue.

Q.2: Does the color of red wine affect its taste?

A.2: Although the color of red wine majorly affects its visual appeal, this aspect indirectly impacts the taste profile. Essentially, deeper-colored wines come from varietals with thicker skins and elongated maceration periods. Such wines have concentrated flavors, fuller body, and higher tannin levels. On the other hand, lighter reds, which are often served slightly cooler, normally exhibit delicate and subtle flavors. They starkly contrast with those of the fuller, more robust-bodied wines.

Q.3: Can color indicate a wine's quality?

A.3: The quality of red wine cannot be specifically determined by its color alone. Nonetheless, certain colors can indicate whether a wine is young and fresh or aged and mature. To put it another way, young red wines typically exhibit brighter, more vivid colors. Conversely, older wines showcase more muted and, often, brownish-red hues. This occurrence is just because the aging process leads to the gradual breakdown of pigments. Therefore, while color contributes to wine assessment, factors like grape variety and winemaking technique play a bigger role in quality.

Q.4: How does aging affect the color of red wine?

A.4: Red wine aging causes gradual shifts in color from bright red to deeper shades of brownish-red. When wine ages, pigments break down gradually, thus lessening the color saturation. Additionally, the wine's exposure to oxygen during aging leads to the establishment of a pale hue, which integrates older, matured, more refined wines.

Q.5: Does serving temperature depend on red wine color?

A.5: Serving temperature for red wine entirely depends on storing the wine using ideal temperatures. So, lighter reds serve well at about 55°F to 60°F. In contrast, fuller-bodied reds, such as Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon, are best served at room temperature. This serving allows the wine to open up and present its full flavor profile, which would otherwise be non-existent if the color thickness were served at a cooler temperature.