Wine Made Simple: The 5 Types of Wine Explained (Red, White, Rosé, Orange & Green)
The five main types of wine are red, white, rosé, orange, and green. The difference comes down to how the grapes are grown and how the wine is made.
If that sounds complicated, don’t worry — at Amica Vina, we believe wine should be fun, approachable, and best enjoyed with friends (or soon-to-be friends). That’s why we put together this easy guide to wine styles so you can feel confident ordering at a restaurant, shopping at a wine store, or even planning a trip to the vineyards of France.
Red Wine
Red wine is made from dark-skinned grapes (think Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot). What gives it its color? The juice is fermented with the grape skins, which add pigment, tannins, and structure.
Flavor profile: Ranges from light and fruity (Beaujolais) to bold and full-bodied (Bordeaux).
Food pairing: Perfect with hearty dishes, roasted meats, and even pizza.
Travel tip: On our retreats, you’ll sip reds in Bordeaux, one of France’s most iconic regions.
White Wine
White wine is made by pressing white grapes and fermenting the juice without the skins. This creates a lighter color and fresher flavor. Popular examples include Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Riesling.
Flavor profile: Crisp and citrusy (Sancerre) to rich and creamy (White Burgundy).
Food pairing: Seafood, salads, chicken, or just a sunny afternoon.
Travel tip: In Chablis, you’ll taste Chardonnay at its freshest and most mineral-driven.
Rosé Wine
Rosé sits in the middle: it’s made from red grapes, but the skins stay in contact with the juice for only a short time. That’s why it has that beautiful pink hue.
Flavor profile: Refreshing, fruity, and dry (especially Provence rosé).
Food pairing: Grilled veggies, Mediterranean dishes, or summer picnics.
Travel tip: Provence is the birthplace of rosé, and sipping it there is an experience you’ll never forget.
Orange Wine
Despite the name, orange wine isn’t made from oranges. It’s actually a white wine made like a red: the juice of white grapes is fermented with the skins. This ancient method is making a modern comeback.
Flavor profile: Bold, tannic, often with notes of tea, nuts, and dried fruit.
Food pairing: Great with spiced dishes, cheese boards, and adventurous meals.
Travel tip: While not as traditional in France, you’ll often find orange wines in natural wine bars in Paris or Lyon.
Green Wine (Vinho Verde)
“Green wine” doesn’t refer to the color — it’s actually Vinho Verde, a young wine from northern Portugal. The name means “green,” as in fresh. Its freshness comes from early harvesting before the grapes are fully ripened, which keeps the acidity high.
Flavor profile: Light, slightly fizzy, and super refreshing.
Food pairing: Ideal with seafood, salads, or as an aperitif.
Travel tip: Portugal isn’t on our map yet… but never say never. For now, it’s a fun bottle to bring to your next girls’ night.
Final Sip: Wine Made Simple
Now you know the difference between red, white, rosé, orange, and green wines.
Red wines get their color and tannins from grape skins, white wines are made without them, rosés are somewhere in between, orange wines use ancient skin-contact methods, and green wines (Vinho Verde) are harvested early for a refreshing, youthful style.
But here’s the secret: you don’t need to memorize winemaking techniques to enjoy wine. The best way to learn is to taste, especially when you’re sharing a bottle with great company.
That’s exactly what we do at Amica Vina. We curate women-only wine retreats where you’ll explore French wine regions, taste unforgettable wines, and build lifelong friendships along the way.
