This is a collaborative post: Studies have shown that drinking moderate amounts of wine can be excellent for your heart and circulatory system. That’s why in many countries drinking a small glass of wine in the afternoon is a tradition. But how can you tell which wine will be better for you? After all, the difference between red and white wine goes much further than just colour.
Fortunately, below, you will find 4 fundamental differences between red and white wine, so you can choose which one will be best for you. You can read about grapes they are made of, serving temperature, and health benefits. And, if you are interested in a more profound knowledge of wines, you can learn about wine workshops here. However, for now, read on and discover all the basics.
Which is Better for the Heart?
There is a lot of evidence that red wine is good for the heart and the circulation system. It has been shown that moderate consumption of red wine can reduce blood pressure, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (the bad one), and increase HDL cholesterol (the good one). Scientists have discovered that drinking a glass or two of red wine a day is just as good as taking aspirin to prevent stroke or heart attack.
However, white wine does not have the same health benefits as red wine. It contains less tannin and antioxidants than red wine but more alcohol. In fact, you would have to drink almost twice as much white wine to get the same amount of antioxidants as you would in the same amount of red wine.
On the other hand, a recent study has shown that white wine has anti-aging properties. It has been shown that compounds found in white wine called polyphenols may protect against sun damage, which slows down the aging process.
Different Types of Grapes
The most important difference between red and white wines is the grape variety used to make them. There are thousands of different grape types, but not all of them are used to make wine. According to the International Organization of Vine and Wine, there are over 40 main grape varieties used to make red wine and 55 main varieties used to make white wines.
What’s even more important is that within these two categories, there are many subcategories. That is why you can easily find more than 1,000 different types of wines on the market.
White wines are made from green or yellow grapes, which fall into three categories:
- 1. Green/Yellow Varieties: Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Muscat Blanc, Pinot Blanc, Traminer Aromatico
- 2. Pale Yellow Varieties: Chardonnay, Arneis, Viognier, Pinot Grigio, Cinsault, Valvin Muscat, Colombard, Roussanne, Orange Muscat
- 3. Brown Varieties: Gamay, Marselan, Terret Noir, Mencia
You may also find “white” wines made from black grapes. These are known as “blanc de noirs” wines. The most famous in this category are German wines from Burgundy and Alsace and French wines from Champagne and Bordeaux. You may also find white wines made from black grapes grown in California or Australia.
Unlike white wine, there are mainly two types of red grape varieties:
- 1. Dark Red Varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah/Shiraz, Zinfandel/Primitivo, Pinotage/Cadillac/Gamay Noir, Grenache/Garnacha/Mourvedre/Monastrell
- 2. Brown Varieties: Petit Verdot, Malbec/Cabernet Franc/Lapostolle, Carignan/Blend/Mourvèdre/Tempranillo/Tempranillo Blanco/Tannat/Colorino/Graciano/Teinturier Noir/Touriga Nacional/Tinta Negra Mole/Tannat/Mourvèdre
Taste Differences
The taste of red and white wines differ as well – the balance between acidity and sugar is responsible for this. The mouthfeel of red wine has more tannin, which means that it’s thicker. On the other hand, white wine has less tannin and is usually more acidic and sweeter. This makes red wine taste dryer than white wine. As a result, red wine usually tastes better with red meat, while white wine is perfect for fish, chicken, or vegetables.
Serving Temperature
The serving temperature of red and white wines is also very different. Red wines should be served at room temperature (18-22°C / 65-73°F) while white wines should be chilled a bit below room temperature (10-12°C / 50-54°F). If you serve red or white wine disregarding this recommendation, it may taste worse than it should.
Conclusion
Now that you know the differences between red and white wines you can finally choose the right one for you – of course, depending on the situation. Whether you invite your friends over or want to hold a family dinner, choose a wine that will complement the main dishes and will taste good in the temperature range of your room.
Also, if you want to experience the health benefits of drinking wine, you should stick to the red varieties – they are better for your heart. However, remember that all alcohol is only good when consumed in moderation.