Wine Writer Information Blog

5:23 PM

October 03, 2008 - Wines

A Featured Wines Article

How Wine Is Made


The first stage in the wine making process is to crush the grapes. In days gone by the grapes would be loaded into a large vat and the wine maker(s) would gently tread on them to break the grapes' skins to release the juice.



Nowadays this procedure is almost invariably carried out using a machine called, unsurprisingly, a crusher.



In the case of white wines, after crushing, the juice is separated immediately from the pulp of skins and stalks and fermentation commences.



When making red (and rose) wines, the juice is allowed to remain in contact with the crushed pulp for a while to add color, body and flavor to the 'must' (the juice to be fermented).



Most modern wines are fermented at a relatively low temperature (around 20 Degrees Centigrade), which results in wine with a fruity character. White wines are commonly made in large, cooled, stainless steel containers but some better quality wines are fermented in oak casks or, alternatively, oak chippings may be added to the must.



Red and ros? wines are usually produced in stainless steel vats or, sometimes, in oak. When the fermenting wine has reached the required color intensity, the liquid is drawn from the vessel, leaving behind the crushed skins and stalks.



Before bottling, wines from different batches may be blended together and matured. Depending on the type of wine, the length of this maturation process can be measured in anything from days to years.



If an "oaky" flavor is desired then the wine can be matured in oak barrels. New oak or old oak barrels can be used depending on the final flavor required.





Even after bottling, the flavor of some quality wines will continue to evolve, albeit at a slower rate. However nowadays, most wines, even expensive wines, are ready for drinking soon after bottling.


About the Author: Since Neil Best first investigated the history of wine he's been recording his findings at Good Glug. This article is part of the free Good Glug Wine Appreciation Mini Course. Visit now to get your copy



Short Review on Wines

How Wine Is Made


The first stage in the wine making process is to crush the grapes. In days gone by the grapes would be loaded into a large vat and the wine maker(s) w...


Click Here to Read More About Wine ...

Featured Wines Items

Luis Olarra Navarra


Here we have a wonderful Navarra wine from Luis Olarra, straight out of Spain. This dry red has a lengthy finish of oak, tannins, coffee and some vanilla. A nice complex finish that goes great with Spanish cooking, or lamb, and venison, and other specialty meats. Serve at room temperature. SRLNS7NV SRLNS7NV


Price: 26.95 USD



Current Wines News

Z is Struck (but not in a dumb or injured way)

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 08:01:00 PDT
Several things struck me - not literally, although I did find two bruises on my arm and no recollection of how they might have been obtained - while I was staying in London. The first was that it's getting harder to find real useful things to buy in Islington. I went out for paint. On the way, I meant to call in at the internet cafe to find firms to check gas and electricity (no break-downs, but you need a sustificate before you can let out anywhere, and I have no problems with that at all.

San Gimignano

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:22:01 PDT
This little hilltop town perched atop the Tuscan mountains is often called Medieval Manhattan, due to its many skyscrapers that seem to be longing to touch that Tuscan sun. 72 towers were originally erected within the city walls, but fewer than 15 remain today, still a sight to behold. Tour buses barely scrape by each other, entering the stone arches to the city. Tourist can be seen crossing themselves, with wide eyes and gapping mouths, staring in amazement that they have arrived unscath

Opulent Vacation Accomodations In Paris

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:00:08 PDT
by Todd Gibson A visit to Europe should be high on your list of things to do before you die. Everyone has their favorite destinations, but certain ones are universal. When it comes to the most visited country on the continent, France is the winner each and every year. There are many reasons, but one city comes to mind. If there is a city that has it all, Paris is it. From beautiful architecture to wine bars to famous avenues, it is all here. For luxury accommodations, a familiar name can also

Table View Cabanas Cape Town Accommodation

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 04:55:50 PDT
Searching for somewhere close to Cape Town but still with a beautiful view? This apartment resort, a mere 20 minutes drive from centeral Cape Town, is situated just a street away from the famous Bloubergstrand. Each apartment is sea-facing, with fabulous views of Table Mountain accross the bay. A stay here puts you on the spot to enjoy the winelands, outstanding beaches and the unique charm of Cape Town city. What else does Table View Cabanas offer you? Full Self-catering Unit facilities Mi

Holidays in Germany: Great Year-round Ideas

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 03:52:49 PDT
by: Jimi St Pierre If you have not considered a holiday in Germany before, you should expect to be enticed and amazed by what is on offer. Germany is year-round holiday destination, with fine cities for Autumn and Winter cultural breaks, the famous German Christmas Markets, music, beer and wine festivals, spa holidays, summer river cruising plus of course alpine scenes for family summer holidays and winter skiing. As well as its great scenery, including the breathtaking Rhine and Moselle rive


Wine Supplies

Labels:

BlinkBitsBlinkList Add To BlogmarksCiteULike
diigo furl Google  LinkaGoGo
HOLM ma.gnolianetvouzrawsugar
reddit Mojo this page at Rojo Scuttle Smarking
spurl Squidoo StumbleUpon Tailrank
TechnoratiAddThis Social Bookmark Button
&type=page">Add to any serviceSocial Bookmark
onlywire Socializersocialize it