Wine 101 - Basics about Wine

If you look for the dictionary meaning or definition of wine, then it would go like ‘fermented grape juice’ or alcoholic drink made from grapes. Fermentation happens when grape sugars are utilized by yeast and converted into carbon dioxide and alcohol. Wine is the most sophisticated drink in the family of alcoholic beverages. It has several different varieties like; red wine, white, sparking, and many others. The average content of alcohol in the wine is 14% or less.

While other members of alcoholic drinks are casually consumed, wine has a celebratory touch to it. When you pop a bottle of champagne after closing a deal in office or gift a bottle of sherry on any achievement, all come with the sophistication of wine. It is also used in cooking and religious rites. There are several wine references in the religious scripture of many religions.

There is no one kind of wine. It is a large family of drinks that vary significantly in color, taste, scent, and ingredients used. Depending on the type of wine, the processing can vary. In addition to that, the element may be the same, but the resulting wines are different. Its difference is dependent on processing.  However, the basic process is the same. The following stages are involved when it comes to winemaking.

Picking: Wine is grapes based; thus, the grapes are required. This acts as raw material and marks the beginning of winemaking. Picking or harvesting is the collection of grapes from the vineyard. It has to be done when the grapes are ripe. Hand or manual harvesting is preferred over mechanical as delicate vines get damaged.

Crushing: Grapes make their way to the winery where the rotten or under ripen fruit is separated. The good ones are then crushed and pressed. Crushing in old times was done by stomping called the harvest dance. The step is done mechanically now. It ensures quality and longer shelf life of wine.

Pressing: Mechanical pressing is a step that is similar to crushing. Sometimes they are often regarded as the same. The timing of the press is crucial, depending on the kind of wine. In white wine, it is done immediately after crushing. This separates the skin of grapes, which give color to the wine. In white wine, the color is not required. However, in red wine, pressing is delayed because coloring agents of the skin are needed.

Fermenting: This step is where the magic happens. The known strains of yeast are introduced in the wine, and fermentation takes place in closed chambers. It can last for twelve days to months, depending upon the requirement. It can continue until all the sugar is converted. The wine gets the sweet taste when the fermentation is stopped before all the sugar is converted into alcohol.

Clarifying: This is the removal of residue and debris left behind after the winemaking process is completed. It is done by transferring the wine from one vessel to another while the sediments remain. Sometimes filters and added substances are also used to clarify the wine.

Aging and filling:  The last step for the wine is further aging or bottling. Depending on the various wine, it is bottled immediately or kept in barrels for further aging. Aging can also happen inside the bottle. Nonetheless, the result is a good quality wine.

Winemakers and drinkers are spread along with the globe. With their history and culture, they add uniqueness and peculiarity to wine drinking. Some countries have old roots of wine, and some are rather new in enjoying its deliciousness.

France

It is one of the biggest producers and consumers of wine. As a tradition, babies of France are introduced to wine early. They taste the wine before even drink their mothers’ milk.

Argentina

Wine is not a royal drink that is used to flaunt wealth. In Argentina, wine is the friend of common men. It is often promoted and sold alongside pizza.

Georgia

The country with the dense association and elaborated wine history has several wine toasts. In formal events and feasts, the toast is made by a professional toastmaster that can last a very long time.