How Do Wine Get there Colour

Introduction


Wine transcends the role of merely a beverage; it’s an adventure, a voyage through a vineyard encapsulated in a glass. At Rico Wine Park and Vineyard, nestled in the scenic outskirts of Bangalore, wine enthusiasts can explore the intricate process of winemaking and understand how the beautiful hues of red, white, and rosé wines come to life.

The Journey from Grape to Glass


The colour of wine is one of its most captivating features, and it all starts with the grape. Grapes are the primary source of wine colour, and different varieties bring different shades. The skins of the grapes are where the magic happens. The pigmentation in grape skins contains compounds called anthocyanins, which are responsible for the reds, purples, and blues found in wine.

Red wines: A symphony of deep hues


At Rico Wine Park and Vineyard, the process of making red wine is a meticulous art. Red wine gets its colour from extended contact between the grape skins and the juice during fermentation. This process, known as maceration, allows the anthocyanins to infuse the juice, creating a spectrum of red shades ranging from bright ruby to deep garnet.

The duration and temperature of maceration significantly impact the final colour. For instance, shorter maceration periods produce lighter reds like Pinot Noir, while longer periods result in richer, darker wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. The winemakers at Rico ensure that each batch of red wine undergoes precise maceration to achieve the desired depth and intensity of colour.

White wines: The art of clarity


White wine, in contrast, is typically made from grapes with light-coloured skins or even red-skinned grapes with minimal skin contact. The juice is extracted from the grapes and undergoes fermentation without the pulp, leading to a wine that is either transparent or has a light-yellow hue. Some white wines, like Chardonnay, may undergo ageing in oak barrels, adding a golden hue and complexity to the colour.





Rosé Wines: A delicate balance


Rosé wines, often celebrated at dining and wine events, strike a balance between red and white. The colour of rosé is achieved through a brief maceration period, allowing just enough contact with the grape skins to impart a pink tint. The duration of skin contact is crucial; too short, the wine remains white, if too long, it turns red. At Rico Wine Park and Vineyard, the winemakers carefully monitor this process to produce the perfect shade of rosé, ideal for warm evenings in Bangalore.

The influence of terroir and technique


Beyond the basic proceasses, the unique terroir of vineyards in Bangalore, such as Rico Wine Park, plays a crucial role in the final colour of the wine. The soil composition, climate, and vineyard practices all influence the grape’s characteristics. For instance, grapes grown in the rich, red soils of Bangalore’s vineyards often produce wines with deeper, more intense colours.

Winemaking techniques also contribute to the wine’s hue. Techniques like cold soaking, where grapes are kept at low temperatures before fermentation, can enhance colour extraction. Similarly, blending different grape varieties and experimenting with fermentation vessels, such as stainless steel or oak, can alter the final colour and flavour profile.

Savouring the colours at Rico Wine Park and Vineyard

For wine lovers, a visit to Rico Wine Park and Vineyard offers a unique opportunity to explore the vibrant world of wine colours firsthand. The vineyard’s lush landscapes and state-of-the-art facilities provide the perfect setting for understanding the intricate processes behind each glass of wine.

Dine and wine experiences at Rico offer guests a chance to pair exquisite wines with gourmet dishes, enhancing the appreciation of both the flavours and colours. The vineyards in Bangalore, with their burgeoning wine culture, are fast becoming a must-visit destination for oenophiles.

Conclusion


The colours of wine are a testament to the artistry and science of winemaking. From the choice of grape varieties to the meticulous processes at Rico Wine Park and Vineyard, every step is designed to capture the essence of the vineyard in every bottle. So, the next time you sip on a glass of wine, take a moment to admire its colour and appreciate the journey from grape to glass.