What makes red wine red?

The red color of red wine comes from anthocyanins, which are pigments found in the skins of red grapes. Here's how it works:

* During the winemaking process: Red wine is made with red grapes, and the juice is fermented with the skins.

* Anthocyanins are released: The skins are rich in anthocyanins, and during fermentation, these pigments are extracted into the juice.

* Color development: The longer the juice is in contact with the skins, the more anthocyanins are extracted, resulting in a deeper red color.

* Other factors: The type of grape, the climate, and the winemaking techniques all influence the final color of the wine.

Here's a simple analogy: Think of making tea with black tea leaves. The longer you steep the leaves, the darker the tea becomes. It's similar with red wine, the longer the juice is in contact with the skins, the deeper the red color.