Most people know that wines come in several categories, such as red, white, rosé, orange, sparkling, dessert and fortified. At a wine tasting, you typically get pours of the two main types, red wines and white wines. If you're a relative newcomer to the world of wine, here is a brief guide to their differences.

How They're Made

Generally, red wine is made from red or black grapes, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Pinot Noir. White wine usually comes from white grapes, such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Riesling. Yet, some white wines, including Champagne, are made from black grapes. 

The color of the red derives from the grape skins. Almost all grapes produce clear juice. When making red wine, the skins are left on; they are removed prior to fermenting white wine. The term for grape skins having contact with the juice is called maceration. The longer the maceration process, the deeper the color of the resulting wine.

Winemakers also age red wines in oak barrels and white wines in stainless steel vessels. The latter reduces oxidation, which can cause white wines to lose their floral and fruit characteristics. 

Flavor Profiles

While they both come from grapes, reds and whites have distinct flavor profiles that are apparent during a wine tasting. White wines tend to be lighter, crisper and more acidic, with floral, fruit and mineral. Red wines are often rich, lush and bold, with hints of berries, tobacco, spice and leather. 

In addition to giving red wines their color, the maceration process also passes on tannins from the skin. Tannins are polyphenol compounds that taste bitter and leave behind a sensation of dryness. 

Food Pairings

Conventionally, red wine is paired with meat dishes and rich, heavy sauces. Think of the classic duo of steak and a full-bodied red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Zinfandel. 

In contrast, white wine is frequently paired with lighter fare, like seafood and vegetables. Many restaurants serve caviar with champagne and lobster with Chardonnay. What's most important is to choose a wine you like and one that complements the food rather than competes with it.

Explore different red and white wines at a wine tasting with Laughlin Tours in Nevada. They offer tours of local wineries, breweries, and distilleries throughout the Laughlin, NV, area, along with trips along Route 66, the town of Oatman, the Hoover Dam, and the famous Grand Canyon itself. Call (702) 420-5345 to ask about upcoming brewery tasting events and visit their website to learn more about their tours.