THE COLOURS OF WINE

The wine world is a complex one, but colour is a language we all seem to understand 

- CARMEN VAN WYK

For the most part, basic of wine is universally known. Most have an idea of which varietals to pair with which protein, while some have an intimate understanding of how many glasses of wine will make them feel wonky in the morning. All this aside, the varying colours of wine is something that is often spoken about but not always fully understood.

What do hue mean?

The next time you enjoy a glass of wine, give it a swirl, tilt it slightly, hold it up to the light and have a good look. Oftentimes, with an experienced eye, the specific shade or colouring of a wine may even give away its varietal.

Generally speaking, the deeper a wine's colour, the more extracted the flavour should be. This doesn't necessarily mean that: 'A dark wine is more flavourful and a light wine is flat'. There's more complexity and nuance to the colour of wine.

Red notice

Wondering how red wines get their colour? Anthocyanin! When red grape skins are left behind with the juice, then this pigment gets to work and stains the wine, allowing it to take on the red colour. The longer the grape skins are allowed to ferment with the juice, the more colour is extracted.