Why is White Wine White?
White wine is often mistaken to be made exclusively from white grapes, a common misconception that fades as we explore the fascinating world of wine production. The truth is, the color of wine, be it white, red, or even pink, is determined by the presence or absence of red pigments in the grape skins.
The French Grape Varieties
While many assume that white wine comes solely from white grapes, the French have a unique system involving grey grapes. They call these grapes Gris, a category that includes the Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio. Different types of grapes like Listel from southwestern France can create a unique taste and color in the wine. Additionally, there is the Oeil de Perdrix (Eye of the Partridge), a category of almost white wines made from red grapes with minimal skin contact. These wines appear incredibly light and pale in the glass, making them not only visually appealing but also quite special.
The Role of Grape Skin Coloration
The red or pink color in wine is a result of the natural red pigments found in the grape skins, which are extracted during fermentation or through contact with the grapes. In the production of white wine, the absence of these pigments ensures a clear and translucent white color. This is achieved either by using white grapes, which naturally lack these red pigments, or by quickly pressing red grapes to avoid the extraction of the skin pigments.
The Terminology of Wine
Understanding the terminology of wine is crucial to grasping the complexity of the industry. In French, the words blanc and noir can have multiple meanings. While blanc can mean clear or light in contrast to dark, the terms raisin blanc and raisin noir simply refer to white and black grapes, respectively. However, when we talk about wine, we use vin blanc for white wine and vin rouge for red wine, often omitting the translation of red or rose (pink) into English.
A World Beyond the Color Wheel
Wine classifications extend beyond the color wheel, influenced by other factors like taste and texture. The color of a wine, whether white, red, or pink, is just one aspect. Grapes can often be labeled as red or white, despite their natural skin colors, as it's more about the final product in the bottle. Thus, calling deeply colored wine red, lightly colored wine rose, and relatively lightly colored wine white might seem imprecise but offers a convenient shorthand for categorizing a vast array of wines.
By understanding these nuances, we can appreciate the complex art of winemaking and the rich details that contribute to the unique character of each bottle. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a curious beginner, there is always more to learn about the fascinating world of wine.