When it comes to wine tasting, variety really is the spice of life. Yes, you have a few favorites, but the greatest thrills of tasting come from exploration and being willing to move beyond tried-and-tested varieties so you can discover something new.
With so many options to try, you may not know where to start. Sometimes, it’s best to keep things simple, so focus on a few broad categories and, as you learn more, continue to branch off and discover new favorites, but first things first, such as understanding the difference between red, white, and rosé wines.
To begin, you might think it’s all about appearance, as these wines certainly look different. Or maybe you assume the grapes used to create these wines also look different. Don’t be fooled as white wines are not, as you might expect, exclusively produced from green grapes.
Yes, the pigments in the skin matter, but other factors are just as important, especially the subtleties of the fermentation process. Small differences can have a huge impact on the final product. The better you understand these distinctions, the easier you’ll find it to plan a Los Angeles wine tasting that ignites your passion for fine wine.
Red
Beautiful and complex, red wine like the Maddalena Cabernet Sauvignon, Paso Robles, offers a rich and memorable experience. It’s not about the grape color but rather what happens to the grape skins during fermentation. With red wine, these skins remain in contact with the juices. Another word for this technique is maceration. Red wines are also known for their tannins, which are compounds that add structure and a hint of dryness. Tannins bring balance to each wine and can also act as a preservative, even allowing wines to improve over time.
Remember it takes time to appreciate the complexities of red wine. Don’t be frustrated if you’re not a fan at the outset. Give it time, and you will develop a taste for the fascinating characteristics of the Riboli Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and the San Simeon Syrah, Paso Robles. A steward-led tasting can make this process easier to navigate, helping you appreciate red wine’s subtleties.
White
Removing skin from grapes before fermentation leads to transparent white wines. With whites, tannins are not as important, but acidity definitely matters. Known as malic, tartaric, and citric, these acids lend white wines their signature bright and crisp appeal.
If you’re new to wine tasting, white is probably your best bet, especially varieties such as the Maddalena Chardonnay, Monterey or San Simeon Sauvignon Blanc, Paso Robles. Keep in mind that white wines are beginner-friendly, but that does not make it any less impressive. As with reds, there are many complex aromas and flavors to explore. Many fuller-bodied whites appeal to red enthusiasts, while others appreciate white wine’s exceptional food-pairing abilities.
Rosé
Featuring a gorgeous pink hue, rosé is the ultimate wine for summer, but beware, as rosé is not always sweet. Like white wines, this can be a wonderfully beginner-friendly option, although there are some surprisingly complex varieties worth exploring. With rosé, like wine itself, there really is something for everyone and you really should try the Maddalena Rosé, Paso Robles.
There are a few ways to produce an amazing rosé, although, like red wine, rosé often depends on maceration. The time of contact or the temperature can determine whether this process leads to a stunning rosé. The end result is not only visually pleasing but also a refreshing wine that’s perfect for pairing.
Explore Red, White, and Rosé Wines at San Antonio Winery
No matter which wine varieties you favor, you can always expect a spectacular tasting experience at San Antonio Winery. We are pleased to offer many wonderful varieties, along with guidance from friendly stewards. Stick with your favorites or expand your horizons and try something new — either way, you’ll thank yourself for visiting our Los Angeles winery.