Color of wine

[JeroenB]

I have to make a report for school [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/confused.gif[/img] about wines I would like to know how the wine got his color. [img]http://www.wines.com/ubb2/confused.gif[/img]

[Innkeeper]

Hi JeroenB, and welcome to the Wine Board. Color in wine comes mostly from the grape skins. There is little difference in the color of the flesh of various grapes. White wines have their skins removed, while red wines stay in contact with their skins.

[winoweenie]

JeronB, welcome to the board. Just tom clarify IK`s answer slightly, the longer the juice is in contact ( Red Wines ) with the skins, the more color is extracted. Blush wines ( ie white zinfandels ) are made by removing the juice from the skins after a few hours of contact, ther-by imparting only a pinkish hue to the juice. winoweenie

[Bucko]

Also, you boyz are forgetting another point, there are a couple of wines with red juice right from the start, skin contact or not. One grape is Alicante Bouchet, the other escapes my old brain.

Bucko

[JeroenB]

Is there too chmistic information about the color of wines, because my report is for chemistry.

[Innkeeper]

Each variety has its own genetic makeup including those genes determining pigment of the skin and flesh. During the photosynthesis that occurs during riping of the fruit, the radiant energy of the sun causes formation of carbohydrates in the chlorophyll containing tissues in the grape skin. Depending on each varieties' genes the grapes turn various colors from just staying green to jet black. There is nothing in the crushing and fermention process of the wine other than exposure to the skins described above that determines the color of the wine.