Every glass of wine holds a spectrum of stories from the pale blush of a rosé to the deep garnet of a hearty red wines. But few people stop to think about where those beautiful colours come from. It is not just about the grape itself; it’s about the interaction between skin and juice, time and transformation.
When we crush freshly harvested grapes at Rico Wine Park and Vineyards, the juice that flow is almost clear, whether the fruit is green, purple, or black. The true artist behind wine’s colour lies in the grape skins. Inside those skins live natural pigments called anthocyanins, the same compounds that give blueberries and cherries their rich hues. It’s during skin contact, when the juice rests with the crushed grape skins, that the magic begins.
In red wine production, this contact can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks. The longer the skins and juice remain together, the deeper and more vibrant the colour becomes. Gentle stirring is what we call “punching down” or “pumping over” it helps draw out not just colour but also texture and aroma. That’s why red wines feel fuller and more structured; those tannins and pigments extracted during maceration give them both depth of flavour and longevity.
Rosé wines, on the other hand, are born from brevity. The juice is left with the skins only for a short while, sometimes just a few hours of creating that soft pink hue that whispers rather than shouts. White wines usually skip skin contact altogether, as their colour often comes from clarity and lightness rather than pigment extraction. This process is frequently compared to painting with the palette of nature at Rico Wine Park and Vineyards.
Each grape variety offers a different shade. Young Pinot Noirs might glow ruby red, while mature Cabernet Sauvignon leans toward a deep violet, black. Even within the same variety, soil and weather can shift the tones, sunlight intensifies pigmentation, while cooler conditions may result in lighter hues.
Then comes ageing, the quiet sculptor of colour. Over time, the bright reds of youth begin to evolve. Oxygen, softly introduced during barrel aging, transforms those vivid purples into brick, garnet, and rust. In white wines, the pale straw tint may deepen into gold or amber as the years pass. These changes are not flaws; they are the graceful signs of a wine’s life unfolding.
When we hold a glass of Sauvignon Blanc from Rico Wine Park and Vineyards up to the light, we’re not just admiring beauty; we’re reading a kind of history. The colour reveals the grape’s story, the choices of the winemaker, and the passage of time. It reminds us that wine, like people, matures, softens, and deepens with each passing season.
So, the next time you pour a glass from Rico Wine Park and Vineyards, take a moment before you sip. Look into its colour, that living reflection of sun, soil, and patience, and know that within it is the art of transformation nurtured in the vineyards themselves.
Nestled along Yelahanka Doddaballapur Road, Rico Vineyards stands as India’s premier wine producer.
TAVERN / BOUTIQUE Sy.No-12/1, 13/3, Singanayakanahalli, Nagadasanahalli, Main Road, Yelahanka, Singanayakanahalli, Karnataka 560064
Copyright ricowines © 2025. All rights reserved, Powered by innogenx.in
Nestled along Yelahanka Doddabhallapur Road, Rico Vineyards stands as India’s premier wine producer.
TAVERN / BOUTIQUE Sy.No-12/1, 13/3, Singanayakanahalli, Nagadasanahalli, Main Road, Yelahanka, Singanayakanahalli, Karnataka 560064
Powered by innogenx.in
Copyright ricowines © 2024. All rights reserved.
Nestled along Yelahanka Doddabhallapur Road, Rico Vineyards stands as India’s premier wine producer.
TAVERN / BOUTIQUE Sy.No-12/1, 13/3, Singanayakanahalli, Nagadasanahalli, Main Road, Yelahanka,Singanayakanahalli, Karnataka 560064
Powered by innogenx.in
Copyright ricowines © 2024. All rights reserved.
