Choosing a Red Wine or White Wine Gift
If you are a wine enthusiast yourself, it would probably be quite easy to choose a wine gift for someone. However, if you aren’t knowledgeable about wine basics, it could be very difficult for you to know which type of wine or vintage wine to purchase.
Red wines tend to be more full-bodied and more complex than most white wines. Red wines are usually made from red and black grape varietals. The fermentation process is a key element as to why red wines are more robust and flavorful than white wines.
During the fermentation of red wines, all parts of the grape are left in the squeezed juice including grape stems, seeds and skins. These solids introduce higher amounts of tannins and pigments. As the stems, seeds and skins steep in the juice, they add color and intense flavor to the resulting wines.
There are many varieties of red wines to choose from. Some of the most popular red wines include Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Any of these wine types would be a welcome gift to any lovers of wine.
White wines, on the other hand, are mostly made from green grapes and result in a lighter, crisper wine. During the fermentation process for white wines, once the juice is extracted from the grapes, the solids are gently strained and removed. The wine created from green grapes is not only lighter in color, it will be less complex in flavor than red wines.
Tannins act as a preventative to oxidation of the wine during aging. They are very important in red wine production due to the longer aging process used. As the wine ages, tannins add more flavor to the wine. This process creates a more robust and flavorful wine. The presence of these tannins creates a sharpness to the wine that mellows with age and is tamed by letting the wine breathe before serving.
White wines also come in a wide assortment of types. The most popular white wine in the United States is Chardonnay. Other good choices would include white Zinfandels or Sauvignon Blanc. White wine makes an excellent gift option that will be welcome by most wine enthusiasts.
When choosing which wine to bring as a hostess gift, you will need to consider what is on the menu. You will want to pair the wine to the food in a complementing manner. By complementing, I mean that it is generally accepted that you serve light wines with lighter foods and robust wines with heavier or spicier foods.
Now that you know the basic differences in red wines versus white wines, you have enough information to make a decision on which wine to use for your wine gift. Both red and white wines come in a wide range of price points so it will be easy to choose a wine gift that suits both the recipient and your pocketbook.
More Uncommon Red Wines and White Wines
June 19, 2008 by Joseph
Filed under Wine Varieties
Norton Wine
One of the more uncommon but interesting wines is the Norton wine. In 1835, Dr. Daniel Norton of Virginia developed this variety of grapes that was originally known as the Virginia Seedling. It is widely planted in the Midwest where it is sometimes called Cynthiana and produces a dark, inky wine with plum and cherry flavoring. Horton Vineyards in Virginia is particularly interested in reviving the grape’s reputation.
Muscadine Wine
Another rare but interesting wine is the Muscadine wine. It was first discovered by European explorers, who found Native American vines growing along the low-lying southern coastal regions. Most Muscadine wines (red and white) are blends, usually given proprietary names by the winery (e.g., “Vintners’ Blend”), and vinified in a sweet or semisweet style. Muscadine and its blends have a unique wild and musky aroma and flavor.
Centurion Wine
Centurion is an uncommon wine that hasn’t yet seen widespread acceptance. This wine was developed at the U.C. Davis campus by crossing Cabernet Sauvignon, with Grenache and Carignane. The intention was to produce a Cabernet-like wine which could be grown in the relatively hot Central Valley. Even with its limited exposure to wine lovers, is a definite improvement over traditional Central Valley varieties.
Roussanne
Roussanne probably gets its name from the light-brownish russet cast of its ripe berries. The aroma is not as overtly fruity as some types and can suggest wild flowers or herbal tea. Unlike most white wines, Roussanne ages very well due to its unusual combination of richness and crisp acids.
Marsanne
Marsanne, this wine sometimes uses Roussane as a blending partner. It makes wines that are medium dry, full bodied and very rich in flavor with notes of spice and pear. It is a very deep-colored wine that is fairly full bodied to the point of being described sometimes as waxy. These wines may be uncommon but they are all excellent wines in their own right. I’m sure you will appreciate their fine tastes.
