Decoding Wine Colour: 7 Deadly Sins to Avoid When Judging Your Glass
Ah, wine! The nectar of the gods, the social lubricant, the perfect accompaniment to a fine meal. But before you swirl, sniff, and sip, take a moment to truly see your wine. Wine colour offers a sneak peek into its age, grape variety, and even potential flaws. However, misinterpreting these visual cues is a common pitfall. As someone with over a decade of experience in the wine industry, I’ve witnessed countless enthusiasts stumble when it comes to judging wine by its colour. Let’s explore the seven deadly sins to avoid so you can confidently assess your next glass.
Sin #1: Ignoring the Lighting
The first and perhaps most crucial mistake is failing to consider the lighting. The colour of wine is significantly affected by the ambient light. A dimly lit room will make a red wine appear darker and more concentrated than it actually is. Conversely, harsh fluorescent lighting can wash out the colour, making a white wine seem paler.
The Fix: Always evaluate wine colour under good, natural light. If natural light isn’t available, opt for a neutral, white light source. Avoid coloured bulbs or excessively bright lights that can distort your perception. Use a white background to accurately view the colour. You can find great wine storage solutions at The Australian Store to help preserve your wine properly and ensure the color stays true.
Sin #2: Judging Age Solely on Colour Intensity
Many beginners assume that a deeply coloured red wine is necessarily young and vibrant, while a paler one is old and past its prime. This is a dangerous oversimplification. While it’s true that red wines tend to lose colour intensity as they age, the grape variety plays a significant role. For example, a young Pinot Noir will naturally be lighter in colour than a young Cabernet Sauvignon. Similarly, some white wines, like certain oak-aged Chardonnays, can develop a golden hue even when relatively young.
The Fix: Consider the grape varietal. Research the typical colour characteristics of different grapes. A young Cabernet Sauvignon should be a deep ruby or purple, while an aged one will be more garnet or brick-red. A young Sauvignon Blanc will be pale straw-yellow, and an older one may have hints of gold. Don’t rely on intensity alone; assess the hue and saturation as well.
Sin #3: Neglecting the Rim Variation
The ‘rim’ refers to the edge of the wine where it meets the glass. Examining the colour variation between the center of the wine and the rim can provide valuable clues about its age. In red wines, a wider, more noticeable difference in colour between the core and the rim often indicates that the wine is older. The rim tends to become more orange or brown as the wine ages due to oxidation.
The Fix: Tilt your glass slightly and observe the rim. A young red wine will typically have a rim that’s similar in colour to the center. An older wine will show a distinct transition, with the rim being significantly lighter and more evolved in colour. Note that some wines naturally have a wider rim variation than others, so experience with specific varieties is key.
Sin #4: Overlooking the Clarity
Clarity is another critical aspect of wine colour assessment. A hazy or cloudy wine can indicate a problem, such as improper filtration or spoilage. While some wines are intentionally unfiltered to preserve flavour, these are usually clearly labelled. A sudden cloudiness in a wine that was previously clear is a cause for concern.
The Fix: Hold the wine up to the light and check for any cloudiness or sediment. A small amount of sediment in older red wines is normal and harmless. However, if the wine appears consistently hazy, it’s best to avoid drinking it. Also, be aware that sometimes, a wine might have “wine diamonds” which are small, clear crystals of tartaric acid. These are harmless and don’t affect the wine’s flavor.
Sin #5: Confusing Colour with Body
Many novice wine drinkers mistakenly believe that a deeply coloured wine automatically equates to a full-bodied wine. While there can be a correlation, it’s not a reliable indicator. Body refers to the weight and texture of the wine in your mouth, which is influenced by factors such as alcohol level, tannins, and acidity.
The Fix: Remember that colour is just one piece of the puzzle. A light-coloured Pinot Noir can be surprisingly complex and full-bodied, while a deeply coloured Syrah might be relatively light on the palate. Focus on evaluating the wine’s structure and texture in addition to its colour.
Sin #6: Ignoring the Legs (Tears)
The ‘legs’ or ‘tears’ of a wine refer to the droplets that form on the inside of the glass after swirling. It’s a common misconception that prominent legs indicate a high-quality wine. In reality, the legs are primarily determined by the wine’s alcohol content and sugar levels. Wines with higher alcohol and sugar will generally have more noticeable legs.
The Fix: Don’t place too much emphasis on the legs. While they can provide a general indication of alcohol level, they don’t necessarily reflect the wine’s overall quality or flavour profile. Focus on other indicators, such as aroma, taste, and finish.
Sin #7: Trusting Colour Over Your Palate
Ultimately, the most significant mistake you can make is relying solely on colour to judge a wine. While colour provides valuable information, it’s just one element of the overall sensory experience. The true test of a wine lies in its aroma, flavour, and structure. A wine might have a beautiful colour, but if it tastes flawed, it’s not a good wine.
The Fix: Use colour as a starting point, but always trust your palate. Take the time to swirl, sniff, and sip the wine, paying attention to the aromas, flavours, and texture. A well-balanced wine will be pleasing to all the senses, not just the eyes. For those who enjoy a good beer too, make sure to check out Dropt.beer to explore the world of craft beers.
| Mistake | Description | The Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Ignoring the Lighting | Evaluating wine colour under poor lighting conditions. | Use good, natural light or a neutral, white light source. |
| Judging Age Solely on Colour Intensity | Assuming deep colour always means young, and pale colour always means old. | Consider the grape varietal and assess hue and saturation, not just intensity. |
| Neglecting the Rim Variation | Failing to observe the colour difference between the center and the rim. | Tilt the glass and note the rim colour; wider variation indicates older wine. |
| Overlooking the Clarity | Ignoring cloudiness or sediment in the wine. | Hold the wine up to the light and check for clarity; excessive cloudiness is a red flag. |
| Confusing Colour with Body | Believing that deep colour automatically means full body. | Remember colour is just one aspect; evaluate structure and texture on the palate. |
| Ignoring the Legs (Tears) | Overemphasizing the significance of the wine’s legs. | Don’t rely on legs as an indicator of quality; focus on other sensory aspects. |
| Trusting Colour Over Your Palate | Relying solely on colour to judge a wine’s quality. | Use colour as a starting point, but always trust your palate to make the final judgment. |
Conclusion
Decoding wine colour is an art and a science. By avoiding these seven deadly sins, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a more discerning wine enthusiast. Remember that experience is the best teacher, so keep exploring different wines, paying close attention to their colour, aroma, and flavour. With practice, you’ll develop a keen eye and a palate that can accurately assess the nuances of any wine.
FAQ
1. What does it mean if a red wine is turning brown?
A red wine turning brown typically indicates oxidation, meaning the wine has been exposed to too much oxygen. This can happen due to age, improper storage, or a faulty cork. While some older wines naturally develop a brownish hue, excessive browning in a younger wine is usually a sign that it’s past its prime.
2. Is it normal for white wine to get darker with age?
Yes, it is normal for white wines to get darker with age. As white wines age, they undergo oxidation, which causes them to develop a more golden or amber hue. This is especially true for white wines that have been aged in oak barrels.
3. Can the colour of a wine tell me anything about its flavour profile?
While colour is not a direct indicator of flavour, it can provide some clues. For example, a deeply coloured red wine might suggest a richer, more concentrated flavour profile with bolder tannins. A pale white wine might indicate a lighter, more delicate flavour profile. However, it’s important to remember that these are just general guidelines, and the best way to determine a wine’s flavour is to taste it.
