The effect of the application of pulsed electric fields (PEF) treatments (2, 5 and 10 kV/cm) to the grape skin on the evolution of colour intensity, anthocyanins and index of total polyphenols along the vinification process of three grape varieties (Garnacha, Mazuelo and Graciano) has been investigated. It has been demonstrated that the ability of PEF to permeabilize cellular tissues is an effective treatment to improve the extraction of phenolic compounds. The influence of the intensity of the PEF treatment on colour intensity, anthocyanins and index of total polyphenols depended on the grape variety investigated. As compared with the control, the application of a PEF treatment was more effective in Mazuelo than in Garnacha and Graciano varieties. Increasing the electric field strength from 2 to 10 kV/cm led to a significant increment in treatment efficiency in Mazuelo but not in Garnacha and Graciano. The low energy consumption for cell permeabilization of grape skins (0.4-6.7 kJ/kg) and the short processing time required are key advantages of PEF technology to reduce the duration of the maceration during vinification or to increase the quantity of phenolic compounds in the final wine.