The wine sector is booming. The US produced 900,000,000 tons of wine in just one year. However, it should go without saying that creating wine is not a simple task. The time the beverage spends fermenting, the fermentation processes, and other factors contribute to its uniqueness. Exploring different wine varieties is like touring the world while developing a deeper understanding of the craft and passion that go into its production.
According to Village Warehouse Wine and Spirits, an Avon liquor store, if you’re unfamiliar with wines, start by learning about the steps taken before they are served in glasses during social gatherings. Knowing the procedure offers insight into this highly regarded beverage that people adore.
The Methods Used to Produce Various Types of Wine
The life cycle of a wine begins with the cultivation of the appropriate grape variety, depending on the wine type or flavor desired by the winemaker.
Crushing
Most people are aware of this procedure and typically picture a person stomping grapes with their foot while standing over a large bowl till the mixture turns pulpy and red. There are more contemporary ways to perform this technique nowadays, even if foot-stomping is still done in some wineries.
Fining
White wine is typically produced using the fining technique. This procedure involves stabilizing the wine to eliminate undesirable components like tannins. Although there are products to aid in fining that are easily accessible, some people still utilize conventional techniques like adding egg whites, gelatin, or casein.
Cold Soaking
Cold soaking may also be involved in making red wine. Winemakers who use this technique typically leave the grapes to soak for hours or days in temperatures of 41 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. According to research, cold soaking promotes the growth of flavor and aroma and anthocyanin production.
Fermentation and Inoculation
The most critical phase in wine-making is inoculation. In this procedure, yeast is prepared similarly to how it is in baking. The fermentation process will begin after the yeast foams and is added to the grape juice container. Winemakers will extract the yeast from the wine after fermentation days or months before starting the bottling process.
Red Wine Varieties
The flavor and intensity of your wine may differ depending on where it was produced. For instance, wine made in a warmer environment tends to taste fruitier. Red winemakers may also keep their wine in oak barrels to impart an earthy flavor.
- Bourdeaux – Due to its rarity, Bourdeaux is one of the most popular red wine varieties. Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are combined to create Bordeaux wines.
- Chianti – Unlike other red wines, Chianti is created solely from Sangiovese grapes. This Italian red wine is produced in the Chianti region.
- Rioja – Like the first two types of red wine, Rioja is a regional wine. Rioja is made from Tempranillo grapes, widely grown in Spain’s La Rioja region. These types of red wine are blended with Mazuelo and Graciano grapes to produce a very dry, woody flavor.
- Shiraz/Syrah – These red wines made from the Syrah grape are renowned for their rich, fruity flavor.
- Primitivo – This unique Italian wine is only produced in the country’s southern areas and is renowned for its high alcohol content and fruitiness.
- Beaujolais – Unlike other red wine varieties, Beaujolais is frequently fragrant and suitable for novice drinkers.
White Wine Varieties
White wine is aged differently than red wine because it is kept in stainless steel barrels. Oak barrels used for red wine add flavor to the wine; storing wine in steel barrels will help maintain the wine’s fragrance and acidity. Some white wine varieties include:
- Sauvignon Blanc – It is a grape variety primarily grown in the Bordeaux area of France and is distinguished by its citrusy smell.
- Pinot Grigio – The taste of Pinot Grigio can range from neutral to highly acidic, depending on where the grapes were grown.
- Riesling – It’s a well-liked variety of white wine distinguished by its flowery flavor.
Rosé, Fortified, and Sparkling Wine Varieties
The rosé, sparkling, and fortified wines are only served on special occasions. Compared to red and white wine, these beverages are sweeter.
Champagne and Prosecco are the two most widely consumed sweet wine varieties and fall under the category of sparkling wine. Moreover, Champagne is distinguished by the bubbles it makes when poured into a glass. It is the rarest variety since Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes must only be used to manufacture this wine in France’s Champagne area.
Meanwhile, Prosecco is one of the sweet wine varieties made in an Italian village of the same name.
Key Takeaway
It isn’t easy to know where to begin when learning about wine. Unfamiliar palates may need to start with lighter wines to learn to enjoy the varied tastes in the wines before progressing further. Remember that wine is an acquired taste. Fortunately, some are ideal “break-in” wines that can help you fall in love with wine for the rest of your life. It would be best to consider the above information to guide you through your wine beginner’s journey.
