Wine is more than simply a drink; it’s a journey through rich history, diverse cultures, and regions.
Wine is enjoyed, treasured, and celebrated all around the world. Whether enjoying a barbeque picnic on a sunny day or spending quality time by yourself, having a nice bottle of wine is perfect for such moments. If you enjoy wine but feel lacking in knowledge, this beginner’s guide is just what you need to improve your understanding and become a more assured wine lover.
The History of Wine
Wine is one of the oldest alcoholic beverages and was first produced in Georgia, Eastern Europe. It is basically produced from fermented grapes and its rich variety of flavours depends on the grape type and the winemaking techniques. Red wines are typically made from red or black grapes, whereas white wines are made from white or yellow grapes.
Art of Winemaking
The winemaking process consists of these necessary steps, beginning from harvesting the grapes and then crushing them to extract juices, followed by filtering and ageing the wine in oak barrels or stainless steel tanks, and finally bottling them for additional ageing or ready-to-drink. The taste and other factors of wine are determined by its particular grape variety and winemaking procedure, making each bottle of wine unique and delicious in its own way.
Wine Terminology
There are a lot of words and phrases that are used by wine enthusiasts and wine experts when discussing wine and this sometimes may make novices confused. Therefore, to understand this wine language, Here are some of the most common terms you can confidently use next time while addressing wine.
Wine Varietals: Wine grapes that are used in making wine.
Wine Grape: It is a small, sweet, and thick-skinned grape that is seeded, unlike regular grapes.
Tannins: It is a phenolic compound causing dryness and bitterness that leaves puckering effects in the mouth.
Astringency: A tasting term used for dry, puckery, and tingling mouth sensation aftertaste due to high tannins.
Acidity: It gives a wine its crispiness and sour taste, activating our salivary glands.
Sommelier: A wine professional or a wine steward
Decanting: It is transferring the wine to aerate the new wine into another vessel, usually a decanter.
Full Length/LLong Finish: The ‘length’ of aftertaste that lingers on taste buds after a wine has been consumed is an important aspect of its finish.
Viscosity: It indicates the thickness and alcohol content in wine when it clings onto the sides of a wine glass, also referred to as legs.
Breathing: It means exposing the wine to allow oxygen to enhance the flavours.
Decanter: A decanter is a vessel that is used to transfer the wine, which may contain sediment.
Verizon: This is a French term used for the beginning of growing grapes.
Nose: The nose is the smell of the wine in the glass.
Aroma: The aroma of a wine is the smell and scent of the wine grape variety.
Wine Bouquet: Wine bouquets are aromas of a wine, originating from fermentation and ageing, highlighting wine’s unique flavours.
Wine Cellar: A facility, usually a space, where wine is stored to keep it at the right temperature.
Palate: A tasting term to feel your taste buds on the tongue, the interior of your mouth, and the most important sensor of all: your nose.
Terroir: A French term, mainly used for describing the unique characteristics of the geographical, soil, and climate factors that influence grape maturation.
