Lesson 12: The Color of Wine Red, white, and rosé are your basic color categories, but the variations within are legion—and meaningful Although deep color is usually—and correctly—associated with full body, a faint-color red may surprise you with its intensity. Conversely, a wine that’s black as night, like the Northern Italian Lagrein recommended here, can be surprisingly light on its feet. Most wine grapes, white or red, have white pulp; without skin contact, white wine can be made from red grapes, as most deliciously illustrated by champagnes that are crafted only from Pinot Noir (known as blanc de noirs). Red wines are dark because they’re fermented while the skins macerate in their juice. Rosés get their hue from a briefer coupling of juice and skin. Whites see little or no skin contact at all. One to try: J. Hofstätter Alto Adige Lagrein 2005, $25