Wine
Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juices of grapes. The natural sugars in grape juice allows it to be fermented into alcohol.
The winemaking process involves harvesting grapes, crushing them to extract the juice, adding yeast to convert sugar to alcohol, and ageing the wine before bottling.
Popular grape varieties used in winemaking include:
- Cabernet Sauvignon - Bold red wine with high tannins.
- Merlot - Softer, fruitier red wine.
- Pinot Noir - Light-bodied red wine with earthiness.
- Chardonnay - Full-bodied white wine with oak flavors.
- Sauvignon Blanc - Crisp, high-acid white wine.
- Riesling - Sweet, aromatic white wine.
Wine is classified by region, vineyard, and vintage year, which influence the flavor profiles. Common types of wines include red, white, rosé, sparkling, fortified, and dessert wines.
Wine has a long history dating back thousands of years to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt. Wine production flourished in Europe and was brought to the Americas and Australia by colonists and missionaries.
Wine can vary extensively in tannins, acidity, sweetness, and alcohol content based on the grape and winemaking style. It continues to play an important role culturally for relaxation, dining, and celebrations.