Anthocyanin
Intermediate Chemistry & Sciencean-tho-SY-ah-nin
Definition
The pigment molecules responsible for red wine's color.
In Depth
Anthocyanins are water-soluble pigments in grape skins. Young reds are bright purple-red from free anthocyanins. With aging, anthocyanins bind with tannins, shifting color toward garnet and eventually brick-brown. Thick-skinned grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah) have more anthocyanin than thin-skinned varieties (Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo), explaining their deeper color.
Details
- Category
- Chemistry & Science
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Pronunciation
- an-tho-SY-ah-nin