This post does not aim to discuss wine hues, aging, or the colors of grape varieties. Instead, it offers a deeply personal reflection on what different wine regions and their varieties evoke in me through colors.
Drawing a small parallel, the aromas of wine remind us of flowers, herbs, fruits, dairy, coffee, leather, and so much more. Similarly, colors evoke something unique for me. Let me stress, this is entirely fictional and deeply subjective. These are associations my mind automatically generates when tasting wine. Some may wonder, “Why this color and not another?” I don’t have a definitive answer. These associations are simply part of my method when blind tasting. Let’s dive into this playful, imaginative exercise!
- Mencía is blue. There’s no specific reason, although the variety is best defined by its geranium notes. Yet, I associate it with blue flowers.
- Syrah from the Rhône is purple. Often, syrah brings lavender notes, which explains the connection.
- Pinot noir from the Côte de Nuits is cherry red, but with a light intensity, while New Zealand’s pinot noir is pink, as I associate it with wilted roses.
- Tinta de Toro is black. It seems logical, though perhaps less so when I say it reminds me of a black rose, as I often find remnants of rose scents within its darkness.
- Grenache from Châteauneuf-du-Pape is orange, as it often has a hint of blood orange.
- Chenin blanc is white, as it evokes white-fleshed fruits.
- Albariño is green, connected to Galicia’s lush green landscapes.
- Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussanne are yellow, as Rhône’s white varieties remind me of chamomile and yellow flowers.
- Muscat is orange. Its orange blossom aroma ties it to the fruit itself.
I’m not asking readers to find logic here; I’m simply sharing my impressions. Now it’s your turn—seek out your own connections. Perhaps they align with mine, or maybe you’ll find entirely different ones, just as valid.