Wine is a fermented beverage made from the juice of grapes. It contains sugar, which turns to alcohol during fermentation. It also contains phenolic compounds and tannins that contribute to the wine’s flavor.
Many people find wine to be a delightful beverage. However, wine is a complex drink and requires careful appreciation.
Origin
When most people think of wine, they probably imagine France or Italy. But it turns out that wine really did not originate from these European countries. Instead, it likely came from West Asia, where Vitis vinifera grapes first thrived.
It is believed that this was around 6000 BC. At this time, wine was a sacred drink for the Pharaohs. It was also used in ceremonies for fertility, rebirth, and libation.
Many people believe that the invention of wine is linked to a woman named Dionysus. In Greek mythology, he was the god of wine and fertility. He is often depicted as a man with a wine skin. The beverage was also used by the Phoenicians, who were instrumental in spreading wine throughout Europe and into Egypt.
Types
When confronted with a wine list or a shelf full of bottles, the world of wines can seem overwhelming. However, with a little knowledge, choosing the right wine for any occasion isn’t difficult.
The characteristics of a wine can be determined by many factors, including grape variety/ies used and winemaking method. There are also a number of key terms to understand, such as aroma, acidity and tannins.
A wine’s acidity is a result of fermentation, turning the sugary liquid into an alcoholic beverage. It is responsible for a wine’s sharpness and zestiness. Meaty flavours in wines are a reflection of umami, one of the five basic tastes. Toasty flavours come from a wine’s ageing in oak barrels, and can often incorporate vanilla, sweet spices and nutty flavours.
Geography
Wine is one of the most important cultural symbols on our planet. It is a drink that can be enjoyed by people from all walks of life and has been used as a medium to spread religious, philosophical and social ideas. It is also a great source of pleasure, health and relaxation.
Geography plays an essential role in the production of wine. Temperature, altitude and the type of soil all have a direct effect on how a grape will taste. Grapes grown in cool environments will produce wines with less alcohol and more acidity, while grapes grown in hot temperatures will have higher sugar levels and very ripe fruit aromas.
The discipline of geography has a lot to offer in terms of understanding wine and its production. This article provides an overview of the major works on the subject, from classic early work by French geographers through to more recent research and publications in the English language.
Alcohol content
Alcohol is a key ingredient of wine and contributes to its intoxicating properties. It also gives wines their texture and viscosity.
It is typically expressed as ‘alcohol by volume’ (ABV). It can range from around 7% to 14% for natural wines. This is because wine yeasts consume the sugar in grape juice, turning it into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Fortified wines, such as sherry and port, can have higher alcohol levels.
The alcohol content of a wine can be measured with a hydrometer. This instrument measures the density of a sample, with or without alcohol, and compares it to a standard reference, such as the OIML or AOAC table. A more advanced technique for measuring alcohol is gas chromatography. This method is used by larger wineries and manufacturers.
Price
Wine prices are determined by a complex web of factors. They start with the cost of growing grapes and continue through production, packaging, and shipping costs. Many governments also levy taxes on alcohol to discourage excessive consumption and raise revenue for social programs.
In addition, wineries may work with negociants to help them sell their wines. These intermediaries can charge up to 15% of the final price tag. Large producers often have lean, efficient production facilities that reduce per-bottle overhead.
It’s essential for restaurateurs to understand liquor costs and how they relate to profit margins. That means taking a drink inventory frequently and adjusting prices accordingly. It’s also important to keep an eye on your sales metrics. A good three-tier pricing management solution like Tradeparency can streamline this process for maximum profitability.
