The Color, Structure, and Character of Red Wine in Simple Terms.

Anthocyanins are the reason red wine is red and not clear. But their role is much deeper: they influence not only color but also texture, aging potential, and the mouthfeel of the wine. In this article, we'll explore: 

• what anthocyanins are, 

• where they come from, 

• how winemakers extract them, 

• and why Argentine red wines appear so rich and vibrant.

A simple definition Anthocyanins are natural plant pigments found: 

• in the skins of black grapes, 

• as well as in blueberries, blackberries, and red cabbage. They are what impart the: 

• red, • purple, • violet hue to red wines. 

👉 Important: grape flesh is almost always translucent. Wine's color is produced only through contact with the skins.

Anthocyanins: 

• shape color intensity, 

• contribute to the structure of wine, 

• interact with tannins over time, 

influence how wine ages and changes

Anthocyanins are found exclusively in grape skins.

It's important to distinguish between:

• Skin → anthocyanins (color) → some tannins → aromatic compounds 

• Pulp → sugar → water → acids • Seeds → tannins (sometimes coarse)

👉 This is why the length of contact with the skins is so important for red wine.

Anthocyanins are not automatically extracted. They are extracted during fermentation, when: 

• yeast metabolizes sugar,

 • alcohol is produced,

 • the skins float to the surface and form a "cap."

What enhances anthocyanin extraction: 

 • high fermentation temperatures, 

 • active pump-over and punch-down, 

 • prolonged contact with the skins. 

What makes extraction gentler: 

 • lower temperatures, 

 • gentle handling of the "cap," 

 • short maceration.

Anthocyanins rarely work alone. Over time, they bind with tannins, forming more stable compounds. What does this give to wine? 

• The color becomes deeper and more stable, 

• The tannins feel softer, 

• The wine ages more harmoniously. 

👉 This process explains why: 

 • A young wine can be a vibrant purple, 

• A mature wine can be a brick-garnet color.

Argentina is known for its richly colored red wines, especially Malbec. This is directly related to anthocyanins.

🏔 Vineyard altitude 

→ thicker skin 

→ more pigments

☀️ Intense sun 

→ active anthocyanin synthesis

🌬 Dry climate 

→ healthy skin without rot

📌 Anthocyanins are: 

• the source of red wine's color, 

• part of the structure and aging potential, 

• key to understanding wine style.

📌 They depend on: 

• grape variety, 

• climate, 

• fermentation, 

• the winemaker's work.

How Red Wine Is Made Step by Step

Tannins in Wine: What They Are and How to Smell Them.