How Wine Is Made
The first stage in the wine making process is to crush the grapes. In days gone by the grapes would be loaded into a large vat and the wine maker(s) would gently tread on them to break the grapes' skins to release the juice.
Nowadays this procedure is almost invariably carried out using a machine called, unsurprisingly, a crusher.
In the case of white wines, after crushing, the juice is separated immediately from the pulp of skins and stalks and fermentation commences.
When making red (and rose) wines, the juice is allowed to remain in contact with the crushed pulp for a while to add color, body and flavor to the 'must' (the juice to be fermented).
Most modern wines are fermented at a relatively low temperature (around 20 Degrees Centigrade), which results in wine with a fruity character. White wines are commonly made in large, cooled, stainless steel containers but some better quality wines are fermented in oak casks or, alternatively, oak chippings may be added to the must.
Red and ros? wines are usually produced in stainless steel vats or, sometimes, in oak. When the fermenting wine has reached the required color intensity, the liquid is drawn from the vessel, leaving behind the crushed skins and stalks.
Before bottling, wines from different batches may be blended together and matured. Depending on the type of wine, the length of this maturation process can be measured in anything from days to years.
If an "oaky" flavor is desired then the wine can be matured in oak barrels. New oak or old oak barrels can be used depending on the final flavor required.
Even after bottling, the flavor of some quality wines will continue to evolve, albeit at a slower rate. However nowadays, most wines, even expensive wines, are ready for drinking soon after bottling.
About the Author: Since Neil Best first investigated the history of wine he's been recording his findings at Good Glug. This article is part of the free Good Glug Wine Appreciation Mini Course. Visit now to get your copy
Champagne Wine
Pair hot dogs and hamburgers with wine. Pair everything you eat with wine, even if it's just a $10 bottle of wine. Wine and food go together.
Experience wine the right way with a great set of wine glasses
Kosher Wine
The sommelier gives you a splash of wine and you, the host, must smell and taste the wine, with all eyes on you and all conversation halted. This only has to take moment and should not take much more than that. No one is expecting a tasting note from you or to hear what amazing nuances you find. All that fun will come later, if appropriate for your group. Right now, you are to assess that the wine is "sound or clean." A hearty swirl could in fact blow subtle problems off the nose and have them land right on your palate when you take the obligatory sip. However strong or subtle the problem, you want to avoid tasting it. Instead of swirling, simply lift the glass to your nose and take a sniff. If it smells bad you will know it and you will not want to taste that smell! The most common occurrence is a corky wine.
Get your wine tools at Ye Olde Wines
Dessert Wines
Raise a glass of liquid pearls. Champagne from France isn't the only bubbly suitable for your wedding toast. Look for sparkling wines from North America, Australia, New Zealand, Spain (Cava) and Italy (Prosecco or Spumante). They're delicious too, and often less than half the price of Champagne.
Find the right wine glass at Ye Olde Wines
Sonoma County Current Events
Featured Sonoma County Event: Rodney Strong Winemaker Dinner. The Inn at the Tides, Bay View Restaurant in Bodega Bay proudly hosts Winemaker Michael Eddy of Rodney Strong Winery for a spectacular 5-course dinner including a specially selected wine with each course. Reservations are a must!
Napa Valley Current Events
Featured Napa Valley Event: Hands-on Cooking Class Hosted at CasaLana Bed and Breakfast in Calistoga with Terri Pischoff-Wuerthner this class is limited to 8 participants. The Topic is Classic Cajun". Includes recipe handouts, hands-on instruction, meals prepared and wine/beverage served with the meal. All equipment, tools and aprons are provided.
Burgandy Wine
Burgundy Wine
Tags: Chardonnay Grape | Chardonnay Wine
Labels: Elderberry Wine, Fine Wine, Fine Wines
