LM AspirationsLM AspirationsDid you know that the most expensive bottle of wine ever sold was a 73-year-old bottle of 1945 Romanee-Conti French Burgundy, in 2018 the auction price was $558,000.
Wine has been around since about 7000 BC. Ancient wine production has been found in Greece, the Middle East, and in the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs. No one is sure who produced wine first. But the process has changed very little in the thousands of years since its creation. The grapes are crushed, then pressed, and fermented. This mixture is then sealed in barrels (I’ve seen the barrel making process, really interesting), aged (sometimes for decades), and bottled. Even soil, weather, and temperature can all affect how they grow.
Different regions of the world are known for their unique variety of wines.
France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, Old World – typically named for the region where the grapes were produced. In an example: Champagne is only from the Champagne region of France. However, New World – in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America many wines are named for the types of grapes used in their production (types should be listed on the label).
Categories
Red wines are dark in color and have tannins which are the chemicals released when the grape’s skin and seeds are crushed to make the wine. Some fruit flavors can be identified.
Note: Watch the serving temperature, if the tannins are cold it can result in a slight bitterness.
Some examples:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel
White wines are fresh, lighter in tannins and alcohol. Citrus and floral flavors.
Some examples:
Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat (Moscato)
Rosé or Blush wines (colors range from pale pink to pink-orange) are typically light, fruit flavors, low in tannins and are a favorite during the summer.
Some examples:
Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, White Zinfandel
Sparkling wines are sometimes called blends and enjoyed during special occasions.
Some examples:
Champagne is named after the region Champagne, France where the grapes are grown, fermented, and bottled before the 1700s. Per European Law only labels that are allowed to use the name “Champagne” are bottled within the Champagne, France region. Champagne is produced from a variety of grapes the main ones are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier, although others may be used as well. Vary from Brut to Doux (Sweet).
Prosecco is from a region in the Veneto (Conegliano Valdobbiadene), Northeast Italy. The grapes that were used to make Prosecco were called both Prosecco and Glera, for a long time grown in Slovenia. Yum, bellinis or mimosas, or both.
Cava, made from Macabeu grapes, is a Spanish sparkling wine some say has a similar flavor to Champagne.
Fortified wines are made from both red and white wines with additional alcohol added (17-20%), vary from dry to sweet and are usually enjoyed after a meal.
Dessert wines are considered a fortified wine.
Note: match your dessert with your dessert wine level of sweetness i.e. sweet dessert with a sweet dessert wine, semi- sweet dessert with a semi-sweet dessert wine, etc.
Some examples:
Marsala, Port, Sherry, Vermouth
Information provided is from my personal experience and through some research. I may have missed some notables. Still learning and having fun with it.
Whatever you choose let’s enjoy National Drink Wine Day! Please drink responsibly.