Sparkling wine production methods
Most quality sparkling wines are the result of two fermentations. One is to turn the grape juice into still wine (this is called base wine) and the subsequent one is to turn the base wine into sparkling wine. The winemaker instigates the second fermentation by…
A Brief History of Vinegar around the World
Vinegar is as old as civilization itself. Throughout history, it has proven to be the most versatile of all products. Dictionaries define versatility as being “able to adapt and change with ease to new conditions” and for the past 10,000 years, people have accordingly used…
Ice Wine: What is it?
Months after the Northern Hemisphere’s wine harvest, some vineyards — particularly in the US, Canada and Germany — are still full of fruit. When perfectly healthy grapes are left on the vines as the year progresses and the temperatures drop, you’re in ice wine territory….
Wine and Symbolism in Art
Wine has long been an important and historical symbol. Wine was, after all, Jesus’ first miracle (though the creation of wine itself dates back to 6000 BC) and it continues to coat the mouths of both believers and non-believers alike. The Greeks even have an…
The History of Viticulture
Viticulture (from the Latin word for vine) or winegrowing (wine growing) is the cultivation and harvesting of grapes. It is a branch of the science of horticulture. While the native territory of Vitis vinifera, the common grape vine, ranges from Western Europe to the Persian…
The components of wine
A grape berry is, by weight, approximately 75% pulp, 20% skin, and 5% seeds. Pulp, the soft, juicy center of the grape consists mostly of water, then sugar, followed by a miniscule amount of acids, minerals, pectin, and vitamins. The skins are responsible for the…
The Davis Wine Aroma Wheel
The Davis Wine Aroma Wheel is the perfect way for wine lovers to get a look at the numerous fragrances and flavors found in most wines. Each of these unique fragrances found in wine, are due to the grapes being used in the production of…
Wine Scores: How do they work?
A wine score is the quickest, simplest way for a wine critic to communicate their opinion about the quality of a wine. Often found alongside tasting notes, wine scores help consumers and collectors decide which wines to buy, and can be a powerful marketing tool….
Marouvas: an uncommon wine
Marouvas is a high-alcohol, traditional wine produced in the area of Kissamos in Chania, western Crete. Romeiko is the grape variety prevalent (if not the only one) in the wine. During the centuries of Ottoman rule the name “romeiko” indicated that anyone or anything to…
The Unique Viticulture Practices in Greece
Winegrowing was first organized in Greece thousands of years ago and has been continuously practiced around the country eversince. As time went by unique viticultural practices were developed according to the peculiarities of Greek vineyards. The following factors played a significant part in their establishment:…
