Whether you’re in the mood for red or white wine can be a difficult decision. Many factors play a role in deciding which type to choose, including the type of food you’ll be serving, the season, and your personal preference. In addition, wine lists at restaurants and stores tend to be arranged by color, as opposed to grape varieties or taste categories. If you’re unsure of what kind of wine to choose, here’s a quick guide.
Red wines typically invoke fruits in the berry family, such as strawberries and cherries. Richer reds may also have hints of blackberries and blackcurrant. White wines, on the other hand, often have flavors of citrus fruits, orchard fruits, or exotic tropical fruit. In both cases, the fruit is the dominant ingredient. In general, however, red wine is better for you than white wine.
While red wines are generally sweeter than white wines, the sweetness of a wine depends on the grape variety and the climate of the region. Grapes grown in warm climates ripen faster and taste sweeter than those in cold climates. Dry wine, on the other hand, means that all of the sugar from the grapes has been converted into alcohol. A sweet wine will have residual sugar after it’s been fermented. Off-dry and semi-dry wines are in between. Generally, they are mildly sweet.
Red wine contains more antioxidants than white wine. It is therefore slightly healthier than white wine. Drinking red wine is thought to improve the condition of your heart. It can also lower your risk of developing cancer, dementia, and stroke. White wine contains less calories. When it comes to food pairing, red wine works better with meat than white wine.
