NOVICE
Series One
What’s in your glass?
Wine 101
A beginner’s guide to understanding wine, the growing regions, what’s happening in the vineyards, using your senses during wine tasting, harvest-crush and how to plan a cocktail party.
RED WINE
Wine 101
Red wine is produced from black grapes. The red hue of red wine is actually achieved from the skins of the grapes, as opposed to the juice, which is generally a translucent golden-green color. Much of the red wine production process therefore involves contact with the grapes skins, which also contain tannins. Tannin is a common descriptor used to describe red wines and is the reason red wine feels “dry” while you’re drinking it. Red wine flavor profiles run the spectrum from berry fruit and cherry to earth, chocolate and black pepper. Red wines are typically served at room temperature or slightly below. Perfectly complements red meat and heavy sauce-based dishes.
WHITE WINE
Wine 101
White wine is produced from green grapes, although black grapes can also be used, as long as the skins are removed. White wine can range in flavor depending on the varietal and the goals of the winemaker from fresh and crisp to buttery or toasty, which is achieved through barrel aging. Flavor profiles include tropical fruits, citrus, melon, oak and spice. White wines are always served chilled and can be paired with a range of fare. Classic pairings include poultry, seafood and vegetables.
SPARKLING WINE
Wine 101
A style of wine that, well, sparkles. Sparkling wine first goes through a primary fermentation in a tank (a process by which yeasts convert sugar into alcohol – the same process experienced by the other wines mentioned.) After primary fermentation, sparkling wine experiences a secondary fermentation in the bottle, which causes carbon dioxide to become trapped in the form of bubbles. Sparkling wine is traditionally white, but can be red or rosé as well. Served chilled, sparkling wine is commonly found on the wine aisle labeled as Champagne (French), Prosecco(Italian), Cava (Spanish) and Sparkling (American).
ROSÉ WINE
Wine 101
When a wine isn’t quite red, it’s rosé. Made from black grapes, rosé is produced by keeping the skins in contact with the juice just long enough to influence the color. The pink color of rosé can range from pale salmon to bright watermelon pink, depending on the grape used and the amount of exposure to the skins. Nearly every grape has been used to make rosé wines, and styles span the gamut from dry to sweet. Served chilled, the natural acidity or rose makes this wine an excellent go-to for serving alongside shellfish or light pasta dishes.