General information on wine is outlined below. For more information use the menu on the left.

WINE INTRODUCTION

What is wine?

The EU Definition of Wine Wine is the product obtained from the total or partial alcoholic fermentation of fresh grapes, whether or not crushed, or of grape must.

Where is wine produced?

Nearly two thirds of the world's wine is produced in Europe. In the remaining parts of the world the leading producers are Argentina, Australia, Chile, South Africa, New Zealand and USA.

How much is produced?

Nearly 36 billion bottles of wine are produced annually world wide.

What temperature should wine be served at?

It is very much your personal choice and there are always exceptions to the rules. Some light red wines, such as Beaujolais Nouveau or New Zealand Pinot Noir, are delicious chilled. It is important to chill Sparkling wine as this reduced the pressure in the bottle and makes it easier and safer to open.

The general rules are:

Wine Type	Temperature
Sparkling Wine	6-10°C
Rosé Wine	9-12°C
White Wine	9-14°C
Sherry (Light)	9-14°C
Red Wine	13-20°C
Fortified Wine	13-20°C
Sherry (Dark)	13-20°C

How should wine be stored?

Wine should be kept at a constant temperature ideally between 10° and 13° C and stored in a dark place as too much light is bad for wine. Wine should be stored on its side keeping the liquid in contact with the cork to prevent the cork drying out. Also wine should not be stored next to products with strong odours e.g. paint, fuel or vegetables.

Grapes

Almost all of the wine bought by consumers is made from the fruit of vitis vinifera vines. There are over 3,000 grape varieties suitable for making wine. A number of varieties have established a reputation for making outstanding wine in certain regions

Examples of such grapes and their traditional areas are:

White:

• Riesling: Rheingau in Germany and Alsace in France
• Chardonnay: Burgundy in France
• Sauvignon Blanc: Sancerre in the Loire Valley and Marlborough in New Zealand

Red:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: Bordeaux in France
• Pinot Noir: Burgundy in France
• Sangiovese: Chianti in Italy

Certain grapes varieties exhibit distinctive aroma and flavour characteristics. Here are some of the frequently used words to describe the specific varieties.

Sauvignon Blanc

• Gooseberries, Nettles, Green Peppers and Passion Fruit

Chardonnay

• Melons & Pineapples, also Toast if the wine had been oaked

Sémillon

• Tropical Fruits such as Mango and Apricot, Toast and Honey as it ages

Riesling

• Apples, Lime and believe it or not Petrol as it ages!

Cabernet Sauvignon

• Blackcurrants, Cedar

Merlot

• Dark Fruits and Fruit Cake

Syrah/Shiraz

• Blackberries, leather and chocolate as it ages

Pinot Noir

• Strawberries & Raspberries, turning leathery and vegetal as it ages