What is the main difference between red and white wine production?

The primary distinction between red and white wine production lies in the fermentation process concerning the grape skins. Red wine is made by fermenting the juice along with the grape skins, which is crucial because the skins contain pigments (anthocyanins) that impart color to the wine, as well as tannins that contribute to the texture and structure. This fermentation process allows the extraction of flavor compounds, tannins, and color from the skins, resulting in the rich and diverse profiles characteristic of red wines.

In contrast, white wine is generally produced from grape juice that is separated from the skins before fermentation. This separation means that the characteristics associated with skin contact, such as the deeper colors and tannins, are not present in white wines. Thus, the method of fermentation related to skin interaction is the fundamental factor that differentiates the two types of wine production.