|
SouthwestBlend.com presents Wine Basics by Michael Shelhamer. |
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
There are basically three categories of wines: table, sparkling, and dessert. The largest category by far is table wines, which as the name implies are intended primarily to be served with food. Whether these are red, white or rosé (pink) wines is determined by the type of grape, or “varietal” used to make the wine. The best known red wine grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Syrah, but there are hundreds of other distinct varieties. The major white wine grapes are Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, but, as with the red grapes, there are hundreds of others. Rosés are made from red wine grapes: the freshly squeezed juice is left mixed in with the grape skins and pulp for a short period of time to gain some color before the fermentation process begins (red and white grapes produce clear juice; red wines gain their deep color by remaining mixed with the grape skins and pulp for a longer period of time).
Dessert wines are, as the name implies, far sweeter than most table wines. This higher level of sweetness is achieved by letting the wine grapes become extremely ripe before harvesting –dessert wines are often referred to as “late harvest” wines. The late harvested grapes are often attacked by the botrytis fungus (the “noble rot”) which greatly enhances the sweetness and flavor complexity of late harvest wines. These wines can be a luscious and satisfying dessert totally by themselves, with no accompanying food necessary. We’re lucky to be living in a time when so many excellent wines of all types from all around the world are available at very reasonable prices. Wine has been an integral part of daily life for millions of people since literally the dawn of human civilization, but for most of that time the only wines most people could obtain were those produced within the local areas where they lived. Now, an amazing variety of excellent wines, made in many different styles and from every continent except Antarctica, are readily available to consumers. The results of a number of scientific and medical studies conducted over the course of the past two decades suggest that moderate, regular consumption of wine may yield significant health benefits. These are thought to include a lessened risk of heart disease and stroke, as well as certain types of cancers and other ailments. In summary, wine consumption is now more and more being considered as an integral part of an upscale, healthy and rewarding lifestyle by many Americans. Mike Shelhamer owns and runs the Old Town Wine Cellar in Yuma, AZ. He will be a regular contributor to the Southwest Blend Magazine online with articles about wines. Old Town Wine Cellar: Yuma's Wine Connection. Fine selection of wines from all over the world. Located in the heart of historic downtown. Open Tues.-Friday 11am-7pm; Sat. 10am-6pm.Tel: (928) 373-0405, Fax: (928) 373-0412. 265 Main St., Suite E, Yuma, AZ 85364. Web: www.YumaWine.com, Email: proprietor@yumawine.com
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Wine Basics
Resource
Guide