What makes white wine a poorer quality than red?

Question

How does chilling make it taste better? Does it deaden the flavor?

Answer 1

It is not poorer quality -- it's a personal preference. But, very few white wines will keep for more than a few years, like good reds will. The flavor of whites is enhanced when chilled (not too cold), because of the sugars mainly (even "dry" whites). Even reds should be very slightly chilled (10 - 15 minutes before opening) to brighten up the flavor as it hits the taste buds.

The big difference is that a white needs to be drank within a few hours of opening, (and kept cold), as the flavor will degrade after the first hour or two. The red will get better and better as it breathes, and the flavors will open up. I tend to aerate and filter my good reds and my older reds with an aerating funnel, which really opens then up nicely.

But -- I have some high quality whites -- they are not "poorer quality" -- just different.


Cheers!

Answer 2

White wine is just as good as red. White is easier to make, and doesn't need to age as long, so it doesn't cost as much.

For many years white was much more popular than red here in the US. In fact winemakers in California made white wine from red wine grapes like zinfandel and cabernet. But now red is catching up in popularity.

I can't say why white wine tastes better chilled (red wine doesn't!) It doesn't deaden the flavor, it brings out some things in the flavor. It's very good with fruit and cheese because the flavors go together.

Answer 3

Red wine has a more complex flavor than white, so there's more variation and more to appreciate. It also changes more with age than white wine.

However, most red wine tastes bitter to me. I prefer white; it's crisper and more refreshing. If it's not chilled, it's a bit too tangy and sharp.

Answer 4

No, IMHO it has to do with the tannins in the wine and the different flavor profiles. Reds that are refrigerated aren't as full as those served at room temperature. Whites can be consumed at room temperature, and I actually prefer them cool but not cold.

Unless it's cheap wine.

Answer 5

White wine isn't a poorer quality than red. the only difference is the skin of the grapes isn't used in white wines.

Answer 6

A bottle of white wine would normally be made with a variety of different grapes to get the flavor. On the other hand red wine is only made with one type or strain of grapes. Red wine is more pure, the don't mix the various type of grapes together to get the wine.