Random and Useful Information on Wine

Sooner or later, you will fall like Alice down the hole into the land known as wine. Don’t worry. It is a tasty and satisfying trip. Here is a “travel guide” on some wine things you might want to know.

1. From Grapes to the Bottle – How many grapes does it take to make wine? A lot. A ton of grapes produces just over 700 bottle of wine on average. The specific amount, however, depends on the size of each grape. Bigger ones produce more juice.

2. Myth of the Wine Legs – The legs of wine are the lines of wine running down the inside of a wine glass after you swirl it. Legs have nothing to do with the quality of the wine, contrary to popular opinion.

3. Varietal Characteristics of Wine – This term refers to the presentation of the grape in the wine. If it provides a efficient and clear odor and taste, it is considered to have varietal characteristics.

4. Beaujolais Wines – The Beaugolais wines are from the southern most region of Burgandy in France. The wines are noted for their uniqueness and are made from gamay grapes.

5. Wine Reserve – The term reserve is often understood to mean that a wine has been aged longer than normal and thus is of a higher quality. This understanding is not always accurate, so don’t fall for it when buying.

6. Tannin and Vino – Tannin comes from the skin of grapes. It adds to the sharpness of the wine, particularly red wines. Too much tannin can render a wine overpowering, while to little can render it bland.

7. Are Vintages Important – In the old days, the vintage of a wine was important as it defined the growing season for the grape. Bad seasons equated to less than stellar wine. With modern technology, this is really no longer the case.

8. Variety of Wine Grapes – There are a wide variety of grapes used to produce the various vintages in the world. The total estimated number is close to 25,000 different types.

9. First California Grape – The first wine grape planted in California was mission, named for the missions where it was grown. The first vines were planted in 1779 at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano.

10. California Reds – Zinfandel was the most popular red grape planted in California for hundreds of years. In 1998, Cabernet Sauvignon passed it.

Wine is one of those things you will either love or not. Few people seem to fall in the middle of the road on the subject. If you find it enticing, then make sure to become an knowledgeable enthusiasts to maximize your wine experience.