Which statement about fermentation temperature and wine color is true?

• A. Hot fermentation tends to produce red wine
• B. Cold fermentation yields red wine
• C. Temperature has no effect on color
• D. Fermentation only affects aroma

Answer: (A)

Fermentation temperature influences how much color is pulled from grape skins during the maceration that happens when grape juice is in contact with skins. Red wine gets its color mainly from pigments in the skins that dissolve into the juice during fermentation and skin contact. Warmer temperatures increase pigment and tannin extraction, leading to deeper color. So, hotter fermentation tends to produce wines with more color, which is why the statement about hot fermentation tending to produce red wine is the best fit. Cold fermentation is used to preserve delicate aromas and can limit extraction, which is why it isn’t synonymous with red wine production. Temperature clearly affects color, not just aroma, so that option is false.