Whether you’re new to the world of wine, or a seasoned pro, it’s important to know how to drink it the right way. Besides learning the basics, like how to swish your glass and how to open a bottle, it’s also good to learn about the different types of grapes used to make wines and how they differ from each other.
Phenolics
Throughout the winemaking process, phenolics play a crucial role in the preservation of the wine. They help prevent color loss and also contribute to the mouthfeel and taste of the wine.
Wines are characterized by hundreds of different phenolic compounds. The main types of phenolics are pigmented tannins and polymeric complexes. During maceration, polymeric pigments are thought to be responsible for the change in the texture of red wines.
These pigments are formed through covalent reactions between anthocyanins and tannins. Aside from the color of the wine, phenolics are also known for their antioxidant activity. These compounds contain fifteen carbon atoms, which have a conjugated double bond between C2 and C3.
Phenolics are a class of organic compounds found in grapes. These compounds are often discussed in the popular press and academic communities. Their primary function is to contribute to the taste and appearance of wine. However, these compounds interact with other chemicals to form a variety of interactions. They can act as nucleophiles, electron donors, and electrophiles. They react easily with other chemicals, including hydrogen atoms and oxygen.
Tannins
Whether you are a wine enthusiast or simply interested in the chemistry behind the world’s favorite beverage, tannins in wine are an important aspect of the whole process. They are a complex chemical compound and can have a variety of effects. They may be astringent, bitter, or even velvety.
There are two types of phenolic compounds that are involved in tannin formation. One type is a flavonol. These compounds are bound together to form polymers. The larger the polymers, the more astringent the wine.
On the other hand, there are non-flavonoids that are also involved. These compounds are smaller in size and are not as astringent.
These substances are a type of antioxidant that protects grapes from UV rays, prevents plant eating insects from munching on them, and helps them survive in the environment. They are also found in other foods and beverages. Some examples include dark chocolate, tea, and coffee.
Seasonal conditions
Whether you produce grapes for wine or not, the seasonal conditions in your region are important to your success. They can affect your wine quality and yield. Various strategies are being used by vineyards all over the world to mitigate growing season challenges. These include increasing irrigation and changing viticultural regimes to reduce the warming effect. However, some approaches may also lower your wine’s quality.
Besides temperature, other factors that influence ripening are sunlight and water. Some cultivars ripen better in warm days, while others need cooler nighttime temperatures to ripen.
When a vine ripens, it begins to accumulate sugars. The amount of sugar it accumulates determines how much alcohol it will produce during fermentation. If it has too much sugar, then it can require a harvest.
Bottle shock
Whether you are enjoying a bottle of wine at home or on a road trip, you may be in for a surprise. A wine that has been shaken or jostled during transportation or storage can have a strange effect on its flavor.
The best way to avoid it is to store your bottles properly. In addition, you should try to keep your cellar dark. This will help keep it cool, and it will also reduce the risk of bottle shock.
If you are wondering what the heck is bottle shock? It is a chemical reaction that occurs when the contents of a wine bottle come into contact with air. The reaction results in a build up of acetaldehyde, which disrupts the normal aging process. The result is a smell reminiscent of rotting nuts or apples.
Phylloxera
Phylloxera in wine has a devastating effect on vines. This aphid-like bug is a pest that can kill an entire plant. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to combat. By grafting vines onto a rootstock resistant to phylloxera, you can prevent the spread of this insect.
The first outbreak of Phylloxera was reported in the Rhone Valley in the 1860s. It spread quickly to Provence and the Languedoc. It eventually spread to the Douro region. The blight devastated tens of millions of acres of French vineyards. It was nicknamed the Great French Wine Blight.
In addition to destroying millions of acres of vineyards, the pest also destroyed the livelihood of thousands of families in France. The damage caused a shortage of wine in the international market. The wine industry in Europe changed dramatically in the wake of Phylloxera.
