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Food & Beverage analysis

Polymeric pigments in red wine: what they are and why they are so important

The color of a red wine is not just an aesthetic issue: it is a direct window into its evolution, stability, and aging potential. Behind that deep, persistent color are, among other key compounds, so-called polymeric pigments.

What are polymeric pigments?

Polymeric pigments are colored compounds that form during the vinification and aging of red wine from the union between anthocyanins (the natural pigments in grapes responsible for their red-violet color) and tannins or other phenolic compounds.

Unlike free anthocyanins—which are relatively unstable and sensitive to pH, oxygen, or sulfur dioxide—these polymeric complexes are much more stable. Over time, they become primarily responsible for the color of the wine.

In simple terms: while anthocyanins provide the initial color of young wine, polymeric pigments build the lasting color of mature wine.

How are they formed?

During alcoholic fermentation and subsequent aging, anthocyanins react with tannins and other intermediates (such as acetaldehyde), giving rise to larger, more resistant structures. This process is influenced by factors such as:

• The grape variety

• The degree of ripeness

• Maceration conditions

• Oxygen management

• Aging time

As the wine evolves, the proportion of polymeric pigments increases and that of free anthocyanins decreases.

What do they contribute to wine?

Polymeric pigments have a direct impact on several key aspects:

• Color stability

They are responsible for a more stable red color that is less sensitive to chemical changes. Thanks to them, wines maintain their color intensity over time.

• Visual evolution

They explain the change from violet tones in young wines to ruby or brick red hues in more aged wines.

• Mouthfeel

Being linked to tannins, they also influence the perception of astringency and structure, contributing to a more rounded and integrated sensation.

• Indicator of quality and longevity

A higher polymeric pigments content is usually associated with wines with better aging potential and greater overall stability.

Why are they analyzed?

The measurement of polymeric pigments is used as an objective tool to:

• Assess color stability before bottling

• Estimate the aging potential of wine

• Compare winemaking strategies (maceration, oxygenation, use of wood, etc.)

• Make technical decisions based on data, not just tasting.

BioSystems currently markets specific reagents for the determination of polymeric pigments, designed to be fully automatable in its analysis systems, allowing this parameter to be integrated into routine winery control with high reproducibility, speed, and minimal operator intervention.

Discover more in the following document:

Determination of polymeric pigments in wine