Have you ever stood in a supermarket or wine shop, staring at rows of bottles, trying to make sense of what you’re looking at? Perhaps you’ve wondered, ‘What’s good value?’, ‘How do I know which wine will complement the meal I’m cooking?’ or ‘Should I stick with my favourites or explore something new?’? These are common questions many of us face when trying to select the perfect bottle of wine.
In this series, I aim to help demystify the world of wine and make it more approachable for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or someone just starting to explore, I’ll break down key wine terms and offer tips on how to choose wines that suit your taste, budget and dining plans. From understanding wine labels to deciphering different grape varieties, regions and styles, we’ll walk through the essentials that can transform your wine-buying experience into something enjoyable and informed.
So next time you’re standing in front of a wine shelf, instead of feeling overwhelmed, you’ll feel confident knowing how to spot a great value, pick the right wine for your meal or even branch out to try something new.
Let’s start with the basics: what’s the difference between red, white and rosé wine? The primary differences come down to the types of grapes used, how they are processed and the duration of contact between the grape skins and the juice during fermentation.
Red wine
Made from red or black grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir and Syrah. The key difference for red wine is that the grape skins remain in contact with the juice during fermentation. This process, known as maceration, extracts colour, tannins (which give red wines their structure and dryness you feel this in the sides of your mouth) and complex flavours from the skins.
Red wines tend to have rich, bold flavours that can include notes of dark fruits (like blackberry, cherry and plum), spices and sometimes earthy or smoky undertones. Best enjoyed with hearty dishes like red meats, stews and dishes with rich sauces.
Did you know? You can find red grape varieties such as Pinot Noir here in Sussex? Such as Wiston Pinot Noir or Ridgeview’s Sparkling Red Reserve.
White wine
Typically made from white grapes like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Pinot Grigio. Sometimes, red grapes can be used to make white wine as the juice in all grapes is clear! For white wines, the skins are removed before fermentation, so the juice doesn’t extract colour or tannins from the skins. This results in a lighter body and crisper flavours.
White wines often have fresher, fruitier and more floral flavours, including citrus, green apple, pear and tropical fruit, along with occasional minerality. They pair well with lighter foods such as seafood, poultry, salads and vegetable dishes.
Did you Know? Sussex has still wines available such as Chardonnay? Such as the Stopham Vineyard Chardonnay.
Rosé wine
Mainly made from red or black grapes like Grenache, Syrah, and Pinot Noir. Rosé wines are made by allowing the grape skins to remain in contact with the juice for a short period—just enough to impart a pink or light red hue. This maceration lasts from a few hours to a day, giving rosé its characteristic blush colour and delicate flavours without the strong tannins of red wine. Rosé tends to be fresh and fruity, often featuring flavours of strawberries, raspberries or citrus, with a crisp, refreshing finish.
It pairs wonderfully with a wide range of foods, including grilled fish, salads, charcuterie and lighter meats. ( I really like a rosé with Christmas dinner!)
Did you Know? Sparkling Rosé is a popular choice here in Sussex! Like Digby Sparkling Rosé or Hindleap.
And the new kid on the block – orange wine (which is not made with Oranges!)
Made from white grape varieties like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling. Orange wine is essentially a white wine made in a similar way to red wine. The juice from white grapes is fermented with the skins and seeds, which is uncommon in traditional white winemaking. This skin contact gives the wine its distinct orange or amber colour, as well as tannins and a more complex flavour profile.
Orange wines tend to have bold, robust flavours compared to traditional white wines. You might find notes of dried apricots, nuts, honey, bruised apple, spices and even savoury or earthy qualities. The skin contact also adds a slight tannic texture, similar to red wine.
Orange wine pairs well with bold foods, such as spiced dishes, roasted vegetables, strong cheeses or fermented foods like kimchi, as its complex flavours stand up well to similarly intense dishes. Orange wine is a great option for those who enjoy adventurous, unique wines with a combination of fruity, earthy and savoury characteristics!
Understanding these basic differences will help you select the right wine for your mood, meal, or occasion!
Emma Hodges is an Accessibility and Inclusion Consultant and named #59 Top 100 Most Influential People in Drinks in 2024. You can find out more about her at EmmasWineTime.
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