How Are Wines Named?

Are you new to the world of wine? Do you find it confusing when you’re looking at the wine labels?

Wine names can sometimes be quite confusing since they are named in two different ways. In general, Old World (European) wines are named by the region of production, while New World (non-European) wines are named by the grape variety used.

Varietal Names

In the United States and Australia, wine makers tend to name their wines after the variety of grape used in the production. For example, a “Merlot” is made with Merlot grapes while a “Chardonnay” is made with Chardonnay. This type of wine is known as a varietal.

Sometimes, a varietal wine can be made with a combination of two or more grape varietals. In this case, the wine is named after the predominant grape (legally it should make up at least 75% of the blend). However, it should be kept in mind that the label only has to reveal the name of the predominant grape. The other minor grape varietals are not usually listed. In certain wine regions of the US, wine makers voluntarily list all the grape varietals on their labels. Sometimes they even show the percentage of each varietal used.

Regional Names

In Europe, wine makers prefer naming their wines by the region in which the grapes are grown instead of the types of grape used. In fact, most of these wines do not even mention what kind of grapes was used. However, in Europe there are wine laws that govern the types of grapes that can be used to make wine bearing the name of a specific region. Thus, by providing the name of the region alone, they are also telling you which grapes were used to make the wine. For example, a Burgundy red wine shall be made with Pinot Noir grapes, while a “Chianti” wine shall be made using Sangiovese grapes.

But why would they choose to name their wines by the region of production? Isn’t it easier and clearer to use the varietal names?

To understand this, you need to understand that the taste of a wine depends not only on the grape varietals, but also on the temperature, wind, amount of rain and sun exposure, soil conditions, and many other environmental factors. European wine makers believe that no two regions (or terroirs) are alike, and therefore wine produced in different regions may vary considerably in taste even if the same grape varietal was used. They believe that by telling you exactly where the grapes are grown, they are providing you with the most accurate information about their wines.

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Basic Info About White Wine

Wine has been a much favored drink across various cultures and numerous generations. However, wine too has its own varieties. One such type of wine that has come to be loved by young and old alike, across the globe, is that of white wine. White wine is wine that is made from grapes that are either green or black, but in a way that the juice from the pressed fruits is instantly separated out from the skins of the grapes. This process makes all the difference in red and white. The taste and the complexity of white type of wine depend on the manufacturing process, the grape variety and the area of cultivation.

Is White Wine Necessarily White?

This is an interesting question that hits many minds of wine drinkers and non drinkers alike. Generally, the wine is made from grapes having light colored skins. However, as mentioned earlier, the grapes may be dark skinned as well. Just like the grapes have variations in color from green to yellow to gold, the white type of wine too have their own variations. Mostly the white wine varies among the flowing colors- amber, pale gold, pale yellow, tuile and straw. However, one must remember that the variations in the colors of this kind of wine are not as much as those available in red wines.

Major Kinds Of White Wine

There are a large number of white types wines available. Depending on brands, vineyards and making process, the varieties can be increased to mind boggling number. However, the simplest classification- on the basis of grape varieties- categorizes the white kind of wine into seven distinct types. Read on. Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Semillon, Moscato and Gewürztraminer are the most popular types of wine. Each of these white kind of wines is suited to either cooking or sipping. Some may be combined with fish while another may be best tasted independently.

Does White Wine Benefit Us?

Of course white type of wine has its own set of benefits. Just like its red cousin, it has its own share of benefits that have caused the health conscious to consume white kind of wine. It has been scientifically proved that white kind of wine reduces the chance of having a coronary condition. However, to avail the benefits of white or any wine, for that matter, there should be a moderate intake and not excess consumption. It also helps reduce the risk of cancer. White kind of wine has a number of other advantages like leading to strong bones, reduction in the risk of having a stroke as well as in improving the lung function.

White kind of wine also can be used in cooking. It leaves behind a subtle aroma and a unique flavor in the foods. In case you were wondering if white kind of wine would be the apt drink for the next bash you throw, go ahead. With the variety in tastes among the various types and the benefits, it is only on you to take a pick. White kind of wine can be made dry, still or even sparkling. There are a plethora of options to select from.

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