Continue your Wine Journey here!
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.
Disclosure: My website is reader-supported. If you purchase any product through my partner links, I may earn a commission in some cases at no extra cost to you.
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.
Chardonnay
The Chardonnay grape variety is a classic white wine grape grown all around the world. The original fame of Chardonnay comes from its success in the Burgundy and Champagne regions of France.
When Chardonnay is aged in oak barrels, it may pick up vanilla overtones in its aromas and flavour.
Some producers put their Chardonnay (or some of it) through secondary fermentation called malolactic fermentation which reduces crispness and brings out a rich, buttery taste.
Sauvignon Blanc
is another widely planted and highly popular white wine grape variety, known for its distinctive flavor profile and the diverse styles of wine it can produce. Here's a brief overview:
Origins and Regions: Sauvignon Blanc originates from the Bordeaux region of France. It's also notably grown in the Loire Valley in France, New Zealand, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and parts of the United States, especially California.
Flavor Profile: Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acidity and fresh, crisp flavors. It often exhibits green and herbaceous flavors such as grass, green bell peppers, and nettles, combined with tropical and citrus fruit notes like grapefruit, lime, and passion fruit.
Climate Influence: The flavor profile of Sauvignon Blanc can vary significantly depending on the climate in which it's grown. Cooler climates, like New Zealand, tend to produce wines with more pronounced grassy and citrus notes, while warmer climates can bring out richer tropical fruit flavors.
Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio, also known as Pinot Gris.
The styles of wine from these grapes vary widely, from a rounded, fuller wine, to a light wine. The common factor is the delicate aroma, commonly with a hint of honey.
Much of the Italian Pinot Grigio is lighter bodied with superb light color and aroma, and a crisp finish.
Pinot Gris has its origins in the Alsace region of France. The style of Pinot Gris, while made from the same grape as Pinot Grigio, is medium to full-bodied.
Both are a fresh alternative to Chardonnay.
Riesling
The Riesling grape variety, often referred to as Riesland, is a highly regarded white grape variety known for its versatile and aromatic wines. Originally from the Rhine region in Germany, Riesling has gained worldwide popularity and is grown in many countries, including France, Australia, and the United States.
Riesling is celebrated for its ability to reflect its terroir, showing distinct characteristics based on where it is grown. The grape prefers cooler climates, where it can ripen slowly and retain its natural acidity. This acidity is a key feature of Riesling wines, contributing to their freshness and aging potential.
The flavor profile of Riesling is complex and varied. It can range from sweet to dry and often includes notes of green apple, peach, citrus, and sometimes a characteristic petrol note in aged examples. Riesling wines are also known for their pronounced floral and mineral nuances, which add to their complexity and appeal.
Riesling is versatile in terms of food pairings, complementing a wide range of dishes from spicy Asian cuisine to rich, creamy cheeses. Its balance of sweetness and acidity makes it particularly well-suited to counterbalance the heat in spicier foods.
Overall, Riesling is a grape variety that offers a wide range of expressions, from bone-dry to lusciously sweet, while always maintaining a backbone of acidity and a distinctive aromatic profile. Its adaptability to different climates and soil types, along with its ability to express terroir, make it a favorite among both winemakers and wine lovers around the world.
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.
Enjoy these Recomendations
Wine glasses are more than just elegant tableware—they play a critical role in your wine tasting experience - Check out these Quality Wine Glasses
If your looking for a quality range of wines from both New World and Old World check out this store - Click Here
The Wine Society hosts hundreds of tastings and events every year. So whether you’re joining the team at one of our events across the country, or logging on online; we look forward to seeing you there. Click Here
Virtual Wine-Tasting sessions are designed to help you develop your understanding of the vast World of Wine.You'll learn how to taste wine like a professional as well as learning more about wine regions and grape varieties and the factors that influence the wine in your glass - Get Involved
ELIXIR GLASSWARE Red Wine Glasses
Pair the sensory delight of a fine wine with the exquisite art form of these breathtaking glasses
