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The Grapes of Wine
One of the biggest factors in making one wine
different than another is the raw materials, the
grape. Riper, sweeter grapes will make a more
alcoholic wine, different varieties of grapes
(Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot, for
example) make different wines. Grapes are the
main ingredient in wine, and everything the winemaker
does, it's done to the particular grape juice
being used.
Grape variety means the fruit of a specific type
of grapevine, such as the fruit of the Cabernet
Sauvignon vine, or the fruit of the Chardonnay
vine. There are as many as 10,000 varieties of
wine grapes. Here's a great list
of many different types
of grapes and the wines they produce.
The amount of heat and cold, wind and rain, the
amount of the sun's rays are all among the factors
that affect a vine's performance. These factors
make up the terroir. (pronounced ter
wahr) To sum up terroir, think of it as the
unique combination of the natural factors that
a particular vineyard has.
The Regions of Wine
California, Spain, France, Italy, Washington,
Oregon, South Africa...There are so many great
wines out there these days that it almost seems
hard to absorb, much less enjoy. Growing wine
in the right locations, with the right terroir,
give us the seemingly unlimited supply of wine
we have today. Whatever region you pick, you're
sure to find a wine you'll enjoy. Here are a few
great sites that will help you with your wine
region knowledge.
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