Know the wine: wine from A to Z

Know the wine is not easy, but neither is it impossible. The subject is vast and at times complex. A fascinating subject that has always involved connoisseurs, enthusiasts and lovers of this wonderful thousand-year-old beverage. A product unlike any other alcoholic beverage. Refined and sophisticated, today it is within the reach of anyone who always wants to learn something new and those who want to enjoy a high quality product. The notions to know are really many: from how to open a bottle of wine to what temperature to serve the product, from how to choose the right glass to the detailed ampelography of the various grape varieties.

Knowing wine: the indispensable ABC

Wine is an articulate and very interesting subject. It involves several facets and embraces a vast amount of topics, more or less complex. Moreover, it is a largely regulated subject, from production to bottling to labeling. To sell, buy, or simply enjoy, an excellent bottle of wine, it is important, therefore, to know the laws regulating the subject as well.

For those new to the subject, a few points are salient to begin building a solid understanding of the subject:

1. Existing types of wine – classification of wine according to color, sugar content, effervescence, ripeness of grapes, addition of distillates, etc…
2. Tasting-is essential for understanding the organoleptic characteristics of wine. Tasting examines different aspects: visual, olfactory and taste. It is through tasting that it is possible to make wine-food pairing
3. Wine food pairing – wine can also be classified according to the various possible pairings with different dishes. For example, pairings with a structured red wine such as the famous Amarone della Valpolicella are definitely not the same as those preferable to Recioto della Valpolicella classico.
4. Proper serving – serving wine correctly is as important as choosing the right one. Serving wine has several steps that must be followed, as well as the sequence of serving, the choice of the most suitable glass, and how to open a bottle.
5. Properties and health benefits-Wine is a beneficial product if it is not abused. It boasts excellent qualities and properties that can bring benefits and advantages to one’s health.

Type of wine

The different existing types of wine can be classified according to the specific characteristics of the products, the different sensory perceptions, and the many existing winemaking processes. The most common classifications are according to:

• Color – with this differentiation we find: white wines, red wine and rosé wines.
• Effervescence – effervescence determines still, sparkling and sparkling wines.
• Residual sugar – the greater or lesser presence of sugar at the end of winemaking determines the sweetness of the wine. Still wines can be dry, amabile, or sweet. Sparkling wines, on the other hand, are extra brut, sweet, or brut.
• Grape maturation-this characteristic varies according to the product the winemaker wants to make. Ripeness determines the balance between acid and sugar components of wines.
• Addition of alcohol and flavorings – alcohol, brandy and herbs can also be added to wines. Depending on the substances added, different products are obtained, ranging from Marsala to Barolo chinato.
• Agronomic and oenological conduction – wine can be produced according to traditional methods, or through new techniques of agronomic conduction of vines. Thus, there are wines from organic grapes, organic wines and biodynamic wines.

Wine and food

Knowing wine also means knowing what its beneficial properties are. In addition to alcohol and sugar, it also contains many minerals, glycerol, some acids, and polyphenols (such as the famous resveratrol). Some of these substances boast strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory abilities.

Wine holds many qualities when consumed in the right quantities. Its action is able to counteract the action of free radicals that contribute to premature aging of skin cells. In addition, drinking well and in the right quantities also helps reduce harmful fats in the blood (such as cholesterol and triglycerides), as well as keep glycemic peaks under control.

In general, wine, especially red wine, has anti-inflammatory qualities and can relieve various painful states. It prevents rheumatic pains and stimulates the brain to secrete endorphins. The important thing, as always, is never to abuse it, always choose quality over quantity, and study it to understand and appreciate it better.