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Red or White: Which Makes the Best Wine Gift?
from: Maxx Guide to WineAs a wine enthusiast, you probably wouldn't have a problem choosing a wine gift for someone. However, if you're a novice regarding the basics of wine, you may have a difficult time knowing the best type or vintage wine to choose. Getting to know and understand the basics about the differences between the two basic wine types beyond color is a good place to start.
To begin, red wine tends to be more full-bodied and complex than most white wines since they're usually produced from red and black grape varietals. This fermentation process is one of the main reasons red wines are usually more robust and flavorful than white wines.
During the fermentation of red wines, all parts of the grape remain in the squeezed juice including grape stems, seeds and skins. These solids thus introduce higher amounts of tannins and pigments. As the stems, seeds and skins steep in the juice, they add color and an intense flavor to the wine produced.
You can choose from many varieties of red wines including popular types such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Any one of these would be an appreciated gift for any wine lover.
White wines, however, are made most often from green grapes, resulting in a lighter, crisper wine. During the fermentation process for white wines, once the juice is extracted from the grapes, the solids are gently strained and removed. The wine created from green grapes is both lighter in color and less complex in flavor than a red wine.
Tannins act as a preventative to oxidation of the wine during aging and are very important in red wine production due to the longer aging process. As wine ages, tannins add more flavor which creates a more robust and flavorful wine. The presence of these tannins creates a sharpness to the wine that mellows with age and is tamed by letting the wine breathe before serving.
White wines are also avaialble in a huge variety of types. Chardonnay is the most popular throughout the U.S. but additional choices include white Zinfandels or Sauvignon Blanc. White wine is also an excellent gift certain to be appreciated by any wine lover.
When choosing a wine to bring as a hostess gift, consider what's going to be on the menu so you can pair the wine to the food in a complementing fashion. Complementing the wine simply means it's generally accepted to serve light wines with lighter foods and robust wines with heavier or spicier foods.
With this understanding of the basic differences between red and white wines, you should be able to determine which wine is best as a wine gift. Red and white wines are available in a wide range of price points, so you should have no problems purchasing a wine gift that suits your intended recipient as well as your gift budget.
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