What causes pink or red wines to have their color?

Prepare for the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 1 Award in Wine Exam. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions with detailed explanations. Achieve exam readiness!

The color of pink or red wines primarily comes from the pigments found in the grape skins. During the winemaking process, when the juice is left in contact with the skins, it extracts these pigments, resulting in the characteristic colors of the wine. This process is known as maceration.

When red or rosé wines are produced, the grape skins remain in contact with the juice for a certain period. This duration can vary depending on the desired color intensity; longer skin contact leads to deeper colors. Thus, the correct answer highlights the essential role of both the pulp and skins in creating the color of pink or red wines.

In contrast, options that suggest that color is derived solely from the pulp, seeds, or that the skins are excluded do not accurately reflect the winemaking procedures involved in producing red wines. The skins are crucial for achieving the vibrant hues associated with wines made from red grape varieties.

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