Men spend a significant part of their lives swinging between wine and women. But the memorable moments that stand apart from the happy ones are the ones that have both. A sophisticated wine is an entrapment that every man is susceptible to, and if one knows the secrets of making good wine, nothing can hold back.
But prior to that, it is important to know the basics right from grapes production to grapes selection. Though wine can be made from mostly all types of grapes, but here we are talking about great wines. So, grapes need to be great too. In fact, a substantial part of the vine fruit grown all over the world goes into wine production. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, 71% of grapes grown all over the world is used for wine making, 27% is used as fresh fruit and hardly 2% accounts for the dried food category as raisins, currants or Sultanas.
Some varieties of grapes that make good wines are Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, White Riesling, Zinfandel, Ruby Cabernet, Merlot, Semillon, etc. Some make excellent red wines, while others may be the most suitable ingredient for white varietal wine, etc but all are known varieties.
Among the best offerings from grape world, Pinot Noir is known to serve the best sparkling wine. This red wine grape variety is an offering from France. Bordeux region of France has the credit for growing Sauvignon Blanc and is known for producing great white varietal wine. Cabernet Sauvignon enjoys wide popularity among the best breed of grapes for wine. This grape became internationally recognized after prominence in Bordeaux wines, where it was made to blend with Merlot and Cabernet Franc for great red wine.
Chardonnay, a green skinned grape is popular for making white wine. In fact most of the grapes share some association with France. This variety of grape is also believed to originate in Burgundy wine region of France.
Though 10% of the world’s vineyards producing grapes for wines are in France, they are now been grown in different longitudes and latitudes as well. Nature and temperature play pivotal roles in grape production. Some varieties perform extremely well in hot climates and are likely to ripen with good varietal character. Some grapes are more acidic than others and need more sugar to balance for great wines. Ripeness also decides the quality of wine.
So, every wine bottle has a story to tell is true without doubt. Some varieties of grapes like Chardonnay and Sangioveses can go all wrong when there is spring frost. Apart from weather and disease susceptibility, ripeness too decides a lot.
So, the role of Mother Nature in preparing great wine is 105%, and that of mankind is -5%.