How to identify the mega purple in wines

Wine tasting can be a delightful experience as you explore the various flavors and nuances of different wine varieties. However, sometimes you come across a wine that exhibits an intense, almost unnaturally dark . This is often an indication that the wine has been treated with a grape concentrate called Mega Purple.

Mega Purple is a grape concentrate made from a grape variety known as Rubired. It is primarily used in the winemaking process to intensify color, enhance sweetness, and a more appealing visual appearance in the final product. While it can be a useful tool for winemakers, it can also be controversial among wine enthusiasts who appreciate the natural characteristics of wine.

So, how can you identify wines that have been treated with Mega Purple? Here are some key factors to look out for:

1. Intense Purple Color: Wines treated with Mega Purple have an exceptionally vibrant purple color that can often seem unnaturally dark. This deep hue can sometimes even stain the glass or leave a residue on the cork.

2. High Alcohol Content: Due to the high sugar concentration in Mega Purple, wines treated with this grape concentrate often exhibit higher alcohol levels. If you find a wine with an alcohol content noticeably higher than what is typical for that variety or region, it could be an indicator of Mega Purple usage.

3. Sweetness on the Palate: Mega Purple can also contribute to a sweeter taste in wines. If a wine strikes you as excessively sweet, even if it is not classified as a dessert wine, it might have been treated with this grape concentrate.

4. Masked Tannins and Acidity: Tannins and acidity play a crucial role in shaping a wine’s structure and balance. However, when wines are heavily treated with Mega Purple, the intense color and added sweetness can overpower these elements, resulting in a lack of tannin structure and acidity. This can lead to a flabby or unbalanced wine.

5. Commercially Produced Wines: Mega Purple is commonly used in commercially produced wines, especially those at lower price points. These wines are often mass-produced and aim to provide a consistent flavor profile to appeal to a broad consumer base. While this is not true for all commercially produced wines, it is worth noting that the use of Mega Purple is more prevalent in this segment of the market.

It is essential to remember that not all wines with intense purple coloration have been treated with Mega Purple. Some grape varieties naturally produce deep-colored wines, such as Malbec or Petite Sirah. However, if you notice several of the aforementioned indicators, it is more likely that Mega Purple has been used in the winemaking process.

For wine enthusiasts who prefer wines made without color additives or those seeking a more authentic expression of a grape variety, wines treated with Mega Purple may not be the ideal choice. However, it is crucial to keep an open mind and appreciate that different styles and techniques appeal to a wide range of palates.

Ultimately, identifying wines treated with Mega Purple requires paying attention to visual cues, alcohol levels, sweetness, and the overall balance of the wine. Knowing what to look out for can help you make informed decisions while exploring the world of wine and deepen your understanding of the winemaking process.