RED AND WHITE WINE

The difference between red and white wine lies primarily in the way the grapes are processed.

Dark grapes are used to make red wine. During fermentation, the skins of these grapes remain in contact with the must, a process called mash fermentation.
Colors, tannins and aromas enter the wine, giving it its depth and structure and giving it its characteristic red to violet color.

White wine, on the other hand, is made from light, green or yellow grapes whose skins are removed before fermentation. The juice of most grapes is colorless. Red wine only gets its intense color through contact with the skins.
White wines show delicate yellow and gold nuances - they appear fresh, elegant and clear.

The fermentation temperature plays a central role. Red wines are fermented at a temperature of 25 to 30 °C. This temperature is high enough to extract aromas and structural substances from the grapes.
After fermentation, they often mature in wooden barrels, which gives them depth, fullness and soft roasted aromas.

White wines, on the other hand, are fermented cooler, usually at 15 to 18 °C, to preserve their freshness, fruit and lightness. They often mature in stainless steel tanks and thus retain their clarity and lively acidity.

Rosé wine is made when red grapes remain in contact with the skins for only a short time. The result is a delicately colored, fresh wine with fine fruit.

Red wines impress with their body, their depth and their warm aromas. Their tannins, the natural tannins from shells and wood, give them structure and longevity.
Notes of dark fruits, spices, leather or vanilla unfold in the glass.

White wines, on the other hand, delight with lightness and fine acidity. They smell of apple, pear, citrus fruits, flowers or herbs and have an invigorating and refreshing effect.

While red wine often warms and envelops, white wine cools and gives every moment a clear, summery lightness.

A good red wine gains depth over the years. Thanks to its tannins and acidity, it can mature for a long time and becomes increasingly rounder and more harmonious. This is how classics such as Bordeaux, Barolo or Primitivo reveal their true greatness.

White wines, on the other hand, are usually enjoyed young to preserve their freshness. But even high-quality varieties, such as Chardonnay in wooden barrels or a mineral Riesling, can age excellently and gain in complexity.

That's a good question because it's often difficult to judge the quality of a wine online without tasting it.
However, with some clear quality characteristics, trustworthy sources and some background knowledge, you can very reliably determine whether a wine is of high quality:

A serious and detailed wine label is often the first indication of quality. It reveals where the wine comes from, which grape variety it was made from and how carefully it was produced. Pay attention to clear information such as the designation of origin, the grape variety, the vintage and the winery. Designations such as “Chianti DOCG”, “Bordeaux AOC” or “Mosel Spätlese” stand for controlled origin and guaranteed standards.

The more narrowly the growing area is defined, the higher the quality is usually. Designations such as “Reserve”, “Spätlese”, “Grand Cru” or “DOCG” indicate particularly selected wines with a longer maturation period.

However, caution is advised with purely advertising terms such as “Gold Edition” or “Premium Selection” because although they sound high-quality, they have no legal meaning.

Each wine country has its own quality levels that serve as a guide:

In Germany, the scale ranges from simple “German wine” to “country wine” and “quality wine” to “predicate wine” (e.g. Kabinett or Spätlese).
In Italy you can recognize quality by the abbreviations IGT, DOC or DOCG, where DOCG stands for the highest tested level.
In France the designation AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée), in Spain DO or DOCa and in Austria the DAC seal applies.
Basically, the more precisely the origin is defined, the more controlled it is - and the more likely it is a high-quality wine.

The name behind the label is crucial. Renowned winemakers and traditional wineries stand for craftsmanship and reliability. Names like Antinori, Torres, Markus Schneider and Dönnhoff are international quality ambassadors.
Reviews from expert portals such as Falstaff, Wine Spectator, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate or James Suckling are also helpful. These award points for the style, balance and character of a wine.

80–85 points: solid, cleanly vinified

86-90 points: very good

91-95 points: outstanding

96-100 points: absolute top class.

Online platforms such as Vivino or WeinPlus also offer valuable guidance, especially if many reviews are unanimously positive.

Sometimes technical information reveals more about quality than big words. A low yield (less than 45 hl/ha), for example, represents concentration and an intense taste. Terms like “hand-picking” or “selection” show that quality is prioritized over quantity. Aging in barriques or large wooden barrels indicates structure and maturity, while names such as “Old Vines” or “Vieilles Vignes” indicate deep-rooted, aromatic plants.
Sustainable labels such as “organic” or “biodynamic” certification are also a sign of responsible, artisanal wine production.

When buying wine online, transparency is key. Therefore, pay attention to complete product descriptions that contain information about origin, grape variety, aging and tasting notes. Detailed photos of the original label, references to awards and a comprehensible pricing structure are also positive indicators.

However, you should be suspicious if only vague descriptions (“fine, fruity, delicious”) are used, the origin is not mentioned or the discounts are unrealistically high. A “Barolo for €6.99” is usually not a real bargain, but rather a warning signal.

If you want to give a wine as a gift that combines quality, style and emotion, Italian classics such as the Lugana DOC from Lake Garda and the Primitivo Salento IGT from Puglia are the perfect choice. Both wines represent two different but equally fascinating facets of the Italian lifestyle: The Lugana DOC is fresh, bright and elegant, while the Primitivo Salento IGT is warm, powerful and full of character. They are ideal as a gift because they not only taste great, but also convey history, origins and personality.

Why Lugana DOC and Primitivo Salento IGT are particularly convincing as a gift:

The Lugana DOC comes from the sun-drenched area south of Lake Garda, which extends across the Lombardy and Veneto regions. It has DOC status, a seal of quality for tested quality and authentic origin. Typical of Lugana is its fresh, elegant style, which is characterized by fine fruit aromas, a harmonious acidity and a touch of Mediterranean lightness. As a gift, it stands for style, purity and joy of life and is therefore ideal for summer parties, invitations or special moments that combine lightness and class.

The Primitivo Salento IGT, on the other hand, comes from Puglia, one of the most traditional wine regions in southern Italy. Under the warm Salento sun, a strong, intense red wine is created with aromas of dark fruits, spices and fine woody notes.
His full-bodied and generous character makes an impression. As a gift, it embodies warmth, strength and personality and is therefore perfect for festive occasions, birthdays or as a sign of true appreciation.

Suitable occasions for both wines:
The Lugana DOC is the ideal gift for invitations, summer barbecues or elegant lunches - wherever lightness and style are required. It suits people who appreciate fresh, elegant white wines.
The Primitivo Salento IGT, on the other hand, is a wonderful gift for special evenings, anniversaries or as a thank you for red wine lovers who appreciate depth, power and finesse.