Have you ever wondered what makes wine so fascinating? Join me, Madeline Puckette, a certified sommelier and co-founder of winefolly.com, as we embark on a journey to unravel the enchantment that lies within wine. Welcome to Episode one: What is wine?
Wine: A Truly Captivating Elixir
If we were to distill all the sophisticated definitions of wine into a single phrase, it would simply be this: wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes. However, let’s dive deeper into the complexities that make wine so extraordinary.
Beyond Grapes: The Essence of Wine
Although wine can be made from various fermented fruits such as blackberries, cranberries, apples, or bananas, the majority of wines are crafted from grapes. But not just any grapes! These grapes are exceptional, distinct from the ones you find at your local supermarket. They are smaller, sweeter, with seeds, and possess thicker skins.
You’ll be amazed to learn that the world of wine, with its diverse range of flavors like Cabernet, Merlot, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio, all originates from just one species of grapevine. This remarkable vine is known as the European grapevine or Vitis Vinifera in Latin. Interestingly, it originally hailed from the Middle East, but that’s a story for another time.
From Grapes to Wine: Unleashing the Fermentation Magic
To create the delightful elixir we call wine, the first step involves selecting ripe grapes, an endeavor that occurs only once a year. Consequently, winemakers cherish the concept of vintage, representing the year in which the grapes were harvested. Of course, you may come across wines labeled as non-vintage (NV), often found in champagne bottles, indicating a blend of multiple vintages. Perhaps we should call them multi-vintage wines instead.
Once the grapes are handpicked, they are gently squeezed into a tub or, as the French say, Cuvée. What you may not know is that these grapes carry a host of microorganisms, which eagerly indulge in the sweet nectar. One fascinating yeast, Saccharomyces Cerevisiae, takes center stage in the wine-making process. This little powerhouse feasts on sugar, converting it into alcohol at a ratio of roughly two parts sugar to one part alcohol. This marvelously intricate microbiological process can even be studied at the doctoral level. Imagine bragging to your friends about being a Doctor of Wine!
Varietals and Blends: The Diversity of Wine
Now that we understand the basics, let’s explore the vast array of wines available. A wine can be a single varietal, such as a Chardonnay made solely from one type of grape. On the other hand, wines can also be blends, like the renowned Bordeaux blends. Winemakers employ various techniques, resulting in four primary categories of wine:
- Still Wines: These are the red, white, and rosé wines that most people are familiar with.
- Sparkling Wines: Think Cava, Prosecco, or Champagne—all those delightful bubbly creations.
- Fortified Wines: These unique wines are infused with fortified spirits, enabling them to age for hundreds of years.
- Aromatized Wines: By infusing wine with aromatic herbs, flavorings, and sugar, we create vermouth, a key ingredient in a classic Manhattan cocktail.
Beyond the Bottle: Additional Wine Markings
When you peruse a bottle of wine, you may notice additional labels or markings that promise distinctive qualities:
- Organic wines: Crafted from organically grown grapes and utilizing solely organic additives, these wines adhere to strict regulations. While sulfites are allowed in the European Union (EU), USDA-approved organic wines in the United States cannot contain sulfites, which poses challenges for American winemakers.
- Kosher wines: These wines undergo a meticulous process that prohibits the use of animal additives. Interestingly, eggs are an exception. Moreover, kosher wines must be processed by religious Jews.
- Biodynamic wines: Rising in popularity, these wines are cultivated using a rigorous process similar to organic farming. Biodynamic winemaking involves strict rules, and sulfites are permitted in these wines.
So, there you have it—a glimpse into the captivating world of wine. But what truly lies within a glass of wine, scientifically speaking? Stay tuned for the next episode as we delve deeper into the secrets that make wine so extraordinary. In the meantime, to discover more about wine, be sure to subscribe to Wine Folly or explore their book, a treasure trove of knowledge. Cheers!