Wine Basics Intro Flashcards
Wine
Wine is made from fermented grape juice. The flavor comes from the varietal of grape and the terroir, which is the particular geographic, geological, and meteorological conditions around the grapevines at a given time. The amount of sun and rain that the grapes get every year, drastically affects the flavor of the wine made from those grapes. This is why, one year, the exact same grapes, grown in the exact same place, will produce wines that are far superior than the wine produced from those grapes, grown in that place, the following year.
Different types of grapes are known as varietals. Each varietal has innate characteristics, however how the winemaker grows them can make a drastic difference in the flavor of the wine they produce.
Old World
From: France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Austria, Romania
Flavor: terroir-driven, earthy, acidic, rustic, vegetal, lower abv
Made From: often blends of grapes that complement each other
New World
From: USA, Canada, Argentina, Chile, Australia, NZ
Flavor: fruity, less acidic, juicy, higher abv
Made From: often a single grape varietal
Old World vs New World
This distinction is very helpful in aiding a guest in choosing a wine. The New World wines are often more approachable for the novice wine drinker. The fruity, juicy, full flavors are easy to like, however with experience the more acidic, earthy wines of the Old World become more appealing.
