Time and again the conundrum is faced; red or white. Certainly, there are occasions that call for specific varietals, such as Champagne, but most often the choice can be a tough one. Some factors that contribute to difficulty in choosing red or white wine is lack of knowledge or experience. It takes time to taste many different wines and become acquainted enough to form confident decisions. Additionally, if there is food involved, it can be distressing to try and pair the perfect wine with the meal; especially if you are the guest bringing the wine but not doing the cooking. But there are splendid wines from both grape categories waiting to be explored. This article will provide some basic information about red and white wines and also food pairing tips.

Red wine naturally comes from dark grapes, these grapes are classified as red, purple, or black such as Pinot Noir. Some of the most popular red wine grape varietals are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. These red wines are carefully fermented to produce exceptional wines all over the world. Red wines tend to have significantly more tannins than white wines because of the dark grape skins. Moreover, they can accumulate higher concentrations of malic acid which can give the wine a harsher feel. Quality red wines are usually treated with malolactic fermentation to tone down the harshness. Red wines tend to be rich in flavor and aroma.

White wines come from white or green grape varietals. Some well-known white wines are Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Champagne. White wines also include the dessert wine category; for example Sherry and Muscat. White wines tend to be lighter and more fruity. White wines lack the tannins of their red counterpart because of the palely pigmented skin of the grapes. White wines are ideal for creating excellent dessert wines but typically do not have the proper qualities required for lengthy aging. In addition, white wines tend to be delicate and impart some sweetness.

Both red and white wine should be served chilled. If you intend on regularly drinking wine, it is beneficial to invest in a wine cooler. Proper wine storage is vital for bringing out the full potential of a red or white wine. Many wine refrigerators have more than one temperature zone so you can cool red and white wines independently of one another. Red wines should be pulled from the wine cooler sooner than white wines when serving. It is also encouraged to make use of wine decanters or aerated pourers to help red wines bloom. White wines can be ruined by overexposure to oxygen and it is not recommended that they be decanted.

If you are faced with the dilemma of food pairing, remember this rule; pair heavy meals with red wines and light meals with white wines. Although there are exceptions, such as fish with a cream sauce paired with red rather than white, for the most part this rule will help you make a safe vintage choice. No matter how you choose to experience wine; the bottom line focus is that you are enjoying it.