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If your a Wine Lover or just looking to get into this wonderful creation, or understand a little more about it, check out this article on wine basics to build your understanding of this fascinating subject.
So what is Wine? Well I'm sure your aware that it is an alcoholic beverage, made by the fermentation of the juice of grapes that grow on vines. So ancient that its origin is unknown, Wine is mentioned in early Egyptian inscriptions and in the literature of many lands. Wines are distinguished by colour, flavour, bouquet or aroma, and alcoholic content.
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Recap on the Basics of Wine
Wines are distinguished by color, flavour, bouquet or aroma, and alcoholic content.
Wine is also divided into three main types, still or natural, fortified, and sparkling.
Wines are red, white, or rosé (depending on the grape used and the amount of time the skins have been left to ferment in the juice).
For red wines the entire crushed grape is utilized, for white wines, the juice only. In rosé wines, the skins are removed after fermentation has begun, thus producing a light pink color.
Wines are also classified as dry or sweet, according to whether the grape sugar is allowed to ferment completely into alcohol (dry), or whether some residual sugar has been left (sweet).
In a natural wine all the alcohol present has been produced by fermentation.
Fortified wines, such as Sherry, Port and Madeira are wines to which brandy or other spirits have been added.
Sparkling wines, of which Champagne is the finest example, are produced by the process of inducing a secondary fermentation in the bottle.
Wine Differentials
What makes one wine different to another?
There are a lot of factors involved in the making of wine. The most important being the Climate and Soil. The way the wine is produced also impacts the quality, taste, aroma and texture of the wine.
Soil should for example not be too fertile. Reason for this is, if the soil is too fertile the vines don’t have to dig their roots very far down to reach nutrition. As soil contains various minerals depending on the depth, vines digging their roots deeper into the soil receive nutrients from different layers, hence become more complex in flavor.
Climate is also very important. Vines that grow in a warmer climate with a lot of sun, will produce grapes containing a lot of sugar. If the grapes are high in sugar, the wine will eventually have a higher alcohol percentage.
There is an old French saying. “The vines need to suffer to produce great grapes”. Meaning the vines should almost be held on the edge of drying out and dying, this will produce highly concentrated grapes which in turn will make for a better wine.
The choice of grapes is also very important. Some grapes are better suited for certain climates and soils then others.
Cabernet Sauvignon
Global Prominence of Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon holds a celebrated position in the world of red wines. Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, it has achieved global recognition and is now cultivated in almost every major wine-producing country. This widespread cultivation is a testament to the grape's adaptability to different terroirs, resulting in a variety of expressions that still retain its distinctive character.
Tannic Nature and Aging Potential: The wines produced from Cabernet Sauvignon are notably tannic. Tannins, natural compounds present in grape skins, seeds, and stems, lend a textural complexity and astringency to the wine. These tannic qualities not only contribute to the robust structure of Cabernet Sauvignon but also make it exceptionally suitable for aging. Over time, the tannins soften, and the wine develops more nuanced and mellow flavors.
Distinct Flavor Profile: Cabernet Sauvignon is renowned for its deep and intense flavor profile. Common taste characteristics include dark cherry, cedar, tobacco, and black currant. These flavors reflect not only the grape variety but also the influence of the specific growing conditions (terroir) and winemaking techniques. The presence of these flavors makes Cabernet Sauvignon a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of foods, particularly rich and savory dishes.
Oak Aging Before Bottling: The practice of aging Cabernet Sauvignon in oak barrels is widespread and significant. Typically, the wine is aged for up to 18 months in small oak barrels. This aging process plays a crucial role in the development of the wine's complexity. The interaction between the wine and the oak adds additional layers of flavor, such as vanilla, spice, and smokiness. It also helps in the softening of tannins, making the wine smoother and more palatable upon bottling.
Merlot
Merlot is a key player in the red wine world, appreciated for its softer, more approachable nature compared to Cabernet Sauvignon. This grape is lower in tannins, lending a smoother texture to its wines, which also mature more quickly. Merlot's role in blending is crucial, often paired with Cabernet Sauvignon to soften and balance the blend, a practice especially revered in Bordeaux.
Flavor-wise, Merlot is characterized by ripe berry aromas, with plums and blackberries dominating the bouquet. This fruity profile, combined with its velvety texture, makes Merlot wines not only approachable but also versatile, reflecting the unique characteristics of their terroir.
As a close relative of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot shares some similarities but stands out for its fruit-forwardness and smoothness. It's highly valued both as a single-varietal wine and as a vital component in blends, offering a delightful balance of fruitiness and softness that appeals to a broad audience of wine lovers.
Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir, with its nuanced and sophisticated profile, is acknowledged as one of the most challenging grapes to grow, yet it rewards those who master its cultivation and winemaking with exceptional wines. This grape variety is distinguished by its lower tannin content and higher levels of acidity, characteristics that contribute to creating lighter, more invigorating wines. This is particularly evident in its celebrated role in the Burgundy region of France, where the terroir and climate synergize perfectly with Pinot Noir to produce wines that are revered globally.
The distinctive flavor profile of Pinot Noir is characterized by its vivid cherry and strawberry aromas. These primary fruit notes are often complemented by subtle undertones that vary depending on the specific growing conditions and winemaking practices of each region. From earthy and herbal nuances in some areas to more spicy and floral hints in others, the diversity within Pinot Noir's flavor spectrum is vast.
In addition, Pinot Noir's compatibility with a wide array of culinary styles is noteworthy. Its balance of acidity and softer tannins makes it an excellent companion to foods ranging from delicate fish dishes to heartier meats. This versatility at the dining table is just one more facet of its appeal.
The intricacies involved in growing and producing Pinot Noir demand a high level of skill and patience, yet the resulting wines are among the most celebrated for their elegance, complexity, and depth of flavor. The grape's ability to express the nuances of its environment makes each bottle of Pinot Noir a unique representation of its origin, adding to the allure and prestige that surrounds this exquisite varietal.
Syrah (Shiraz)
The grape known as Syrah in France and Shiraz in Australia is a versatile and dynamic variety that has made a significant mark on the global wine scene. In the United States, this grape appears under both names, reflecting its dual heritage and stylistic diversity. Syrah/Shiraz is celebrated for producing full-bodied wines with intense colors and robust flavors, showcasing the variety's inherent richness and depth.
Syrah, as it's known in its traditional French context, especially in the Rhône Valley, tends to exhibit a profile rich in pepper and spice, intertwined with earthy and dark fruit flavors. This is largely attributed to the cooler climate of the region, which accentuates the grape's natural acidity and tannic structure, leading to wines that are both complex and age-worthy. The cooler climate allows the grape to ripen more slowly, developing nuanced flavors while retaining a distinctive freshness.
In contrast, the Shiraz of Australia presents a distinctly different character, primarily due to the warmer climate. In regions like Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, the grape develops a riper, sweeter profile. Australian Shiraz is known for its bold, fruit-forward style, often exhibiting flavors of blackberry, plum, and, characteristically, a peppery spice that adds complexity to the wine. The warmer temperatures result in higher sugar content in the grapes, translating to richer, more alcoholic wines with pronounced fruit flavors.
The Shiraz grape reigns as the most widely planted red grape in Australia, reflecting its adaptability and the country's affinity for bold red wines. Australian winemakers often blend Shiraz with Cabernet Sauvignon, combining the plush fruitiness of Shiraz with the structured elegance of Cabernet, creating blends that are both harmonious and complex.
This grape's versatility extends beyond just the climatic influences; it also responds remarkably to different winemaking techniques. In some instances, winemakers use oak aging to impart additional complexity, introducing flavors of vanilla, toast, and spice. In other cases, the grape is vinified in a more straightforward manner, allowing the pure expression of fruit and terroir to shine through.
Syrah/Shiraz's global journey from the steep slopes of the Rhône to the sun-drenched vineyards of Australia is a testament to its adaptability and the diversity of styles it can produce. Whether savoring a spicy, robust Syrah from France or indulging in a lush, fruit-driven Shiraz from Australia, wine lovers can appreciate the depth, complexity, and versatility that this grape variety brings to the world of wine.
Follow this series of blog articles where we will dig deeper into other varietals and more complex detail as we learn together within this fascinating topic.
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