Choosing Wine Gifts
If you’re wracking your brain over choosing a red or white wine as a gift for someone, then there are various pressing matters to consider. Why not accompany wine rackwith a vintage bottle of wine for someone special.
Both types of wines possess different qualities and flavours to suit specific occasions. Red wine is richer in flavour than white. White wines are generally lighter without the complexity of reds. There are two process factors which affect the unique distinct taste of a wine: the grapes used and the fermentation process. Green grapes are used to make white wines, whereas black and red grapes make up red wine. During the fermentation process for red wine, the grape stems, seeds and grape skins are left in the pressing. White wine differentiates the stems, seeds and grapes skins are removed from the resulting squeezed juice. The complexity of red wine is largely due to retaining the stems, seeds and skins in the juice, this produces tannins and pigments.
What gives wine some of its flavour? Tannins are compounds that produce that sharp taste experienced in tea, coffee and wine. These compounds are extracted from plants and, in the wine making process, grapes. Not only do Tannins provide a complexity in the wine, it prevents oxidation in the ageing process. Red wine tends to be aged for a far longer than white, which is why Tannins are vital to this process. As the wine matures, the bite in the tannins diminishes and becomes mellow. Depending on the label, red and white can both be excellent additions to your meal. So get ready to sample, get the tea traysready and a range of wines to try. You small samples of each wine in shot glasses. People will tend to pick red wines to go with stronger flavoured meals, whereas white is commonly paired with less flavoured meals. But of course it depends on a person’s preference. Conventionally, red wine goes well with meat dishes whereas fish and chicken dishes can be complimented with a glass of white.
