Are green grapes used for white wine?

Over 90% of all white wine produced is made from green-skinned grapes, which may appear yellow or greenish-yellow on the vine. Yes, green grapes are used for white wine, and they are the foundation for beloved varietals like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

Quick Summary

White wine is predominantly produced using green-skinned grape varieties, though select red-skinned grapes can also be utilized by separating the juice from the color-imparting skins immediately after crushing.

Key Points

• Yes, Green Grapes Are Primary: Most white wine is made from green-skinned grapes like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.

• Color Comes from Skin: A wine's color is determined by the skin, not the pulp; most grape pulp is clear.

• Red Grapes Can Make White Wine: Certain red grapes, like Pinot Noir, can be used to make white wine (Blanc de Noirs) by separating the clear juice from the skins immediately.

• Skin Contact Determines Color: White winemaking involves minimal to no skin contact during fermentation, which prevents the juice from picking up color.

• Winemaker's Skill is Key: The decision to separate the skins early is a critical part of the winemaking process for producing white wine, regardless of the grape's initial color.

The Core Principle: It's All in the Skin

While it seems intuitive that white wine comes from white grapes, the real secret lies in the grape's skin, not the pulp. The vast majority of wine grapes, whether green or red, have clear or pale-colored pulp and juice. It is the color pigments in the grape skins—specifically anthocyanins—that are responsible for imparting color to the wine during fermentation. For red wine, the skins are left in contact with the juice for an extended period, extracting both color and tannins. For white wine, the skins are typically separated from the juice immediately after the grapes are crushed, ensuring a colorless final product.

White Grapes for White Wine

The most common and straightforward method of making white wine involves using grapes with green, yellow, or golden skins. Winemakers simply crush the grapes and press the clear juice away from the skins before fermentation begins. This process is used for a multitude of popular white wine varieties worldwide.

Here are some of the most famous green-skinned grapes used for white wine:

• Chardonnay: A versatile grape that produces everything from crisp, unoaked wines to rich, buttery, oak-aged versions.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its high acidity and herbaceous notes of gooseberry, grass, and bell pepper.
• Pinot Grigio/Pinot Gris: A grape known for producing light-bodied, crisp wines with flavors of pear, green apple, and citrus.
• Riesling: Can produce a wide range of styles, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, with high acidity and expressive aromatics.
• Chenin Blanc: A very versatile grape that can be made in a dry, off-dry, or sweet style, with honey, apple, and quince notes.

The Exceptional Case: Red Grapes Making White Wine

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of winemaking is that white wine can also be made from red or black-skinned grapes. This is done by following the same principle as with green grapes: separating the clear juice from the pigmented skins immediately. The resulting wine is known as a "Blanc de Noirs," which translates from French as "white of blacks."

The most classic example of this is the production of white sparkling wine, particularly Champagne, from Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier grapes. These grapes have red skins but clear juice. The pressing process is delicate and fast to prevent any color extraction. This technique creates a white wine with the unique structure and character of a red grape variety.

The Vinification Process for White Wine

1. Harvesting: Grapes are picked when they reach optimal ripeness. For white wine, this often happens earlier to preserve acidity.
2. Pressing: The grapes are pressed to separate the juice from the skins, seeds, and stems. This is the critical step for controlling the final wine's color.
3. Fermentation: The juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, oak barrels, or other vessels, where yeast converts sugar into alcohol.
4. Aging: Depending on the desired style, the wine may be aged briefly or for an extended period, often with oak exposure.
5. Bottling: The finished wine is prepared for bottling, which may include filtration or fining to remove impurities.

Comparison: White Wine from Green vs. Red Grapes

Feature	White Wine from Green Grapes	White Wine from Red Grapes (Blanc de Noirs)
Grape Color	Green, yellow, or golden	Red, black, or blue
Skin Contact	Very minimal to none	Carefully avoided
Resulting Color	Pale yellow to gold	Pale yellow to subtle salmon
Primary Flavors	Citrus, apple, pear, floral	Berry fruit, stone fruit, brioche
Body	Light to full-bodied	Often richer, fuller-bodied
Tannin Presence	Very low to non-existent	Very low to non-existent

Common Green Grape Varieties for White Wine

• Albariño: Known for its high acidity and aromatic profile, originating from Spain.
• Viognier: A full-bodied white with low acidity, offering aromas of peach, apricot, and honeysuckle.
• Pinot Blanc: A lighter-bodied alternative to Chardonnay, with notes of apple and citrus.
• Sémillon: A key component of sweet dessert wines in Bordeaux, also used for dry whites.
• Muscat: A family of grapes known for their intense floral and grapey aromas.

Conclusion: The Grape Color Isn't the Whole Story

The answer to "Are green grapes used for white wine?" is a resounding yes, they are the main type used. However, the more complex and fascinating truth of winemaking reveals that grape skin color is not the sole determinant of a wine's final color. Winemakers' skill in separating the juice from the skins allows for incredible diversity, including the crafting of crisp, vibrant white wines from grapes with red or black skins. This process highlights the meticulous craftsmanship behind every bottle, where the final product is as much about technique as it is about the raw ingredient. So, the next time you enjoy a glass of white wine, you'll know that its light color is a result of a careful process, whether the grapes were green or red.

Learn more about the vinification process and grape varieties

Frequently Asked Questions

What gives white wine its color?

White wine gets its pale, yellow, or golden color primarily because the juice is fermented without contact with the grape skins. Pigments that could color the wine are contained within the skins, not the pulp.

What is Blanc de Noirs?

Blanc de Noirs is a French term meaning 'white of blacks.' It refers to a white wine made from red (black) grape varieties, such as Pinot Noir or Pinot Meunier, by carefully pressing the grapes to separate the clear juice from the dark skins.

Can red grapes always be used to make white wine?

While many red grapes can be used to make white wine by removing the skins, it is not a technique used for every red grape variety. It is most common for grapes with relatively low color intensity and specific flavor profiles that work well for white wine styles.

What are some common green grape varieties used for white wine?

Common green-skinned varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, and Chenin Blanc. These are responsible for some of the world's most famous and diverse white wines.

How is rosé wine different from white wine made from red grapes?

Rosé wine is made from red grapes but with some skin contact during fermentation, which imparts its pink color. White wine made from red grapes (Blanc de Noirs) has no skin contact, so it remains white.

Is Chardonnay made from green or red grapes?

Chardonnay is made from green-skinned grapes. It is one of the most popular green-skinned varieties used to produce white wine globally, known for its versatility and wide range of styles.

Do all grapes with clear juice produce white wine?

No, not all grapes with clear juice produce white wine. It depends on the winemaking process. For red wine, even with clear juice, skin contact during fermentation extracts red color. For white wine, skin contact is avoided.