What colour reveals

Colour is one of wine's most informative external signs. In white wines a deeper golden colour signals either age, oxidative winemaking (e.g. sherry style) or oak ageing. In red wines brick and brown hues reveal oxidation and maturity. The influence of climate shows clearly: wines from cool climates such as Mosel or Burgundy are often lighter and more translucent than wines from warm climates such as Barossa Valley or the southern Rhône. Thick-skinned varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Nebbiolo give deeper colour than thin-skinned varieties such as Pinot Noir or Grenache. Colour analysis does not replace tasting, but it sharpens the hypotheses you carry into the aroma phase.