Buzz
Anyone just stepping into the world of wine should have a basic understanding of key questions surrounding this historic drink, celebrated by authors ranging from Aristophanes to Ernest Hemingway. Below are 10 essential facts every wine enthusiast should know:
10. A Glimpse into Wine's Past
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9. The Winemaking Process
Yeast, single-celled organisms, play a crucial role in winemaking by converting the sugars in grapes into alcohol and carbon dioxide, while also releasing heat. Over millennia, the process has evolved with advancements in grape breeding, climate understanding, and the science of aging, yeast, and storage. However, the fundamental process remains unchanged.
8. The Fermentation Process
Primary fermentation, when left unchecked, can occur at an astonishingly fast pace, particularly with red wines. Winemakers usually prefer to control the speed to help enhance the flavor profile and, for reds, extract deeper colors. Typically, red wine fermentation lasts under a week, while white wines undergo a longer fermentation process, often spanning several weeks, to develop richer aromas and tastes.
7. The Locations of Wine Production
Wine production is found all around the world, excluding Antarctica, though it has its roots in Europe—particularly in France, Italy, and Spain. These countries remain dominant in wine production despite shifts in demographics. The first academic institution dedicated to the study of wine was established in France, marking the start of major global research into winemaking.
6. The Colors of Wine
Most wine grapes produce clear juice, but red wines gain their color from the skins, which remain in the mixture during fermentation. White wines, on the other hand, are typically fermented only from the juice, resulting in a lighter color. Pink wines are often made by beginning fermentation with red grape juice and skins, then separating the juice from the skins after a brief fermentation period.
5. Aromas and Tastes
The basic sensory characteristics of wines come from the grapes used to produce them. The 'aroma' of a wine is shaped by the types of grapes involved, but factors like the grape-growing region, ripeness levels, yeast, fermentation temperatures, storage methods, use of barrels, and the time and conditions spent in the bottle all play important roles in shaping the overall sensory experience.
4. Correct Wine Storage
Wines with corks should be stored in a way that keeps the cork moist, either lying on their sides or upside down. A dry cork can cause leakage or allow air to enter, compromising the wine. It's important to store wines at moderate and stable temperatures. Large temperature fluctuations can damage the cork and affect wines sealed in various ways. Additionally, wines should be kept away from sources of vibration and any chemicals that could contaminate them.
3. Wine Labels
Outside of Europe, if a label mentions the grape variety, it means that grape is a significant portion of the wine in the bottle (the exact percentage varies by country). Traditional European wine labels indicate the region of origin, although more European wines intended for export now feature the grape variety on the label. The year listed on the label represents when most of the grapes were harvested.
2. Serving Temperature
The temperature at which wine is served plays a crucial role in bringing out its flavors and aromas. Typically, lighter wines should be served colder, as lower temperatures emphasize the acidity, a key characteristic of white wines. Red wines, being more chemically complex, are best served at a slightly warmer temperature where their acidity is present but balanced. 'Room temperature' for red wines refers to 65-70°F, while white wines are ideally served between 45-50°F, depending on their style.
1. Wine Bottles
Traditionally, wine is packaged in bottles that reflect the origin of the grapes used. Bottles with high shoulders and long, slender necks are typically used for wines from Bordeaux, France, including varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. Wines from Burgundy, France, are often found in bottles with longer, sloping shoulders, and these include Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Hock bottle, tall and slender, gets its name from a British term for a region in Germany and France where these bottles originated. These bottles, also called Alsatian or German bottles, are used for wines made from grapes like Riesling and Gewurztraminer. While there are no laws governing which bottles should be used for which wines, many wineries continue to follow traditional bottle guidelines.
