red wine

About red wine

Table of contents

• General information about red wine
• Popular red wine grape varieties
• Well-known red wine growing regions
• The grape
• Red wine production
• The fermentation
• The expansion
• FAQ about red wine

General information about red wine

Red wine is one of the oldest and most traditional wine varieties in the world, characterized primarily by its deep hue, tannin structure, and rich aromas. The color of red wine arises from the contact of grape juice with the skins of the red grapes, which contain color pigments and tannins. These tannins are largely responsible for the structure and aging potential of a red wine. Unlike white wine, the must in red wine remains in contact with the skins, seeds, and sometimes even stems during fermentation. This gives red wine its complex, often robust structure.

Popular red wine grape varieties

There are a variety of red wine varieties that are popular worldwide, each with its own distinctive flavors and textures. Some of the most well-known grape varieties are:

• Barbera
• Grenache
• Nebbiolo
• Pinot Noir
• Sangiovese
• Syrah

Well-known red wine growing regions

The world's best red wines come from some of the most renowned wine-growing regions. These regions are known for their unique climatic conditions and terroirs, which give red wines their characteristic style:

• Burgundy
• Piedmont
• Rhône
• Tuscany

The basis for red wine – red grapes

Red wine, the classic choice when the days get shorter and the evenings cooler. But how is red wine actually made? Contrary to popular belief, the juice of both red and white grapes is transparent. The deep red hue of red wine only develops through contact with the skins, which contain pigments and tannins. Depending on the grape variety, the color can vary from an intense dark red (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah) to a light ruby ​​red (Pinot Noir). The tannins, which originate from the tannins in the skins, are largely responsible for the structure and aging potential of red wine.

Red wine production – The extraction

The production of red wine begins with the harvest and the arrival of the grapes at the winery. There are two options here: the grapes are either destemmed, meaning they are separated from the stems, or pressed whole. For most red wines, destemming is the main step, followed by a gentle pressing of the grapes to open the skins and release the juice. This is when the extraction of the colors and aromas begins. In some cases, the winemaker uses cold maceration, in which the grapes are chilled before fermentation to extract more intense fruit flavors. This step is particularly used for elegant red wines like Pinot Noir.

Fermentation – Finding the Sweet Spot

Alcoholic fermentation is the heart of winemaking. Yeasts convert the sugar in the juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide, generating heat. The winemaker must keep a close eye on the temperature during this process. Excessively high temperatures promote the extraction of tannins from the skins and pips—which, if over-extracted, can result in a bitter and unbalanced wine. To avoid this, the mash can be chilled. After fermentation is complete, the wine is separated from the skins, and the remaining skins are gently pressed. The resulting "press wine" is often added in small quantities to the main wine to refine its structure.

The expansion – a question of time

After fermentation, aging follows, which shapes the wine's final character. The choice of container—whether stainless steel or wood—and the length of aging are crucial. While stainless steel produces fresh, fruit-forward wines, wood promotes micro-oxidation and adds depth and complexity. For example, in the Barolo region, wine must age in wood for at least 18 months before it is released. Depending on the grape variety and style, aging can take several years. Over time, new flavors such as caramel, tobacco, or chocolate develop, and the tannins become softer and rounder, lending the wine complexity and elegance.

FAQ about red wine

What makes red wine special?

Red wine acquires its color, structure, and tannins from the contact of the juice with the grape skins during fermentation. Tannins are responsible for the wine's ageability and give it depth and character.

How is red wine made?

In the production of red wine, the grapes are destemmed and crushed after harvest. The juice ferments with the skins, extracting pigments and tannins. After fermentation, the wine is aged, often in wooden barrels.

Which grape varieties are particularly popular for red wine?

The most popular red wine grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot , Syrah , and Pinot Noir . Each of these grape varieties has its own character and offers a variety of flavor experiences.

How long should red wine be stored?

This depends on the grape variety and the style of the wine. Some wines, like young Beaujolais, are ready to drink immediately, while more complex wines like Barolo or Bordeaux often need years to reach their full potential.