When are red grapes green?

If you're anywhere near a vineyard at this time of year, take a look at the bunches of grapes in all their multicoloured glory.

Red grapes change from green to a range of shades from almost black to a pinky purply red, and white grapes become more translucent with a yellowish hue.

This explains why all grape juice is white – whatever their skin colour. (And also explains how most Rosé is made, by macerating the white grape juice with the red skins.)

The French word for this process is ‘la véraison’ and is one of the most significant points in the life cycle of a grape and of a vineyard as not only does the grape change colour, but it is the point when the vine shifts its energy from growth through photosynthesis to ensuring the grape has as much sweetness as possible as it ripens.

The change of colour also indicates that the skin of the grape is toughening up, developing those very useful polyphenols (antioxidants) that protect it from the elements - and which have so many health claims for humans!

It’s also a good indication for the wine grower about when the grapes may be ready for harvest – as they will know from experience where their grape variety falls on the scale of things – but usually it’s between about 30 – 70 days, depending on the region and the amount of sunlight.

I captured some great photos during my recent trip to the Loire where La Version is in full swing after a few weeks of non stop sunshine. The further north you go, the later this process is likely to be and the further south, the more advanced. 

Why is red wine red?

It is the skins of the red grape that give the finished wine its colour, and not the juice, and it is also the part of the grape that gives life to the idea that a glass of red wine is good for you as the red grapes contain far higher levels of polyphenols.

The amount of time the juice stays with the crushed skins will dictate the final colour of the wine and will come down to the decision of the wine maker. Each grape variety will require slightly different treatment and the colour of each wine will vary accordingly.

And finally...

While the market for much lighter red wines is growing all the time, it's interesting that our love of full-bodied reds is still strong. A YouGov survey of over 2,000 UK adults who drank alcohol in the past year found:

• 81% of them drank wine 
• Among these wine-drinking adults, 38% preferred full-bodied reds

My personal feeling is that there is a time and a place for every sort of wine but if I'm eating a steak, or feeling in need of a little warming up, only a big, full on glass of the good stuff will hit the spot.