Why Red Wine is Colored Red?
Wine is one of the most popular beverages in the world. It plays an important role in many cultures and during special events, rituals, celebrations and even in casual fun.
There are many varieties of wine. However, most of these varieties fall in two classes. Wines are classified as either white wine or red wine.
Most wines are usually made out of grape juice that is fermented to produce alcohol. Grape juice is usually clear in color. This is what is used for white wine.
Red wine uses the same grape juice. The difference is that in red wines, there is the presence of grape skin during fermentation. The pigments in the skin are what makes the wine red, or even purple, in color. Red wine is usually made from red or black grapes.
How is red wine colored? The process of coloring is called maceration. This is a procedure that happens during the fermentation of alcoholic beverages. Maceration is not limited to wines, though. The drink piolunowka, for example, uses maceration.
First the red or black grapes are crushed. Then the skin is steeped in the grape juice for days or even weeks. This process is done before, during or after fermentation. During this time, the skins come in close contact with the extract. This determines the color, flavor, tannin content, and aroma of the wine being processed.
There are three different types of maceration. Carbonic maceration involves fermenting whole clusters of unbroken grapes in an environment saturated with carbon dioxide. The abundance of carbon dioxide prevents or inhibits fermentation. Carbonic maceration increases the fruity flavor of the wine.
Cold maceration is a period of time that is used to take out the color and flavor before beginning the fermentation process. The length of time can be lengthened by chilling the macerating fruit but not freezing it.
The last kind of maceration is extended maceration. This technique involves having the wine in contact with grape skins even after fermentation is completed. This will result a dark, sharp tasting red wine.
Red wine does not only taste good. It is also considered to be a healthful drink. A glass of red wine per day can actually lower the risk of heart attack. It can raise the levels of HDL or good cholesterol while preventing LDL or bad cholesterol from developing.
Aside from that red wine also contains antioxidants. These antioxidants prevent blood clots in the arteries.
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