Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Grapes for Wine Making | Testreading.org

Most wines are categorized in one of two groups –white wine or red wine. In the world of grapes, there are over four thousand types of grapes yet less than 36 types of grapes are used in the making of traditional wine. Many wines are named for their grape variety, but to do so in the United States, the wine must comprise of at least three-quarters of that particular grape. Many wines are a blend of several types of grapes. They are then purchased from a Monmouth County wine store.

The Riesling grape originated in Germany but is grown everywhere for sweeter white wines. They are often dry wines that go well with fish, chicken, and pork. The Gewürztraminer grape is used in white wines that are fruity and floral. They take floral and spice aromas easily and are recommended with Asian food and pork. The Chardonnay grape is used in traditional white wines and also made into sparkling wines. Citrus flavors are frequently added to the Chardonnay grape. The Sauvignon Blanc grape is used for relatively flat white wines and often takes on qualities of melons, peppers and hints of smoke.

The Syrah grape is the same grape as the Australian grape known as the Shiraz and can make a spicy red wine. The Merlot grape makes soft red wines that often win over new wine drinkers served alongside some red meat. The Cabernet Sauvignon grape makes a full-bodied red wine while the Pinot Noir grapes make a delicate red wine with fruity aromatics.

Zinfandel grapes are frequently seen in Italy and California. The grapes are known for their fruity or spicy taste. When the skins are left on they can make a red wine but are most frequently used without skins for white wines.

Growing a certain type of grape does not guarantee a certain type of taste as the grape taste depends heavily on the climate and soil where it is grown.

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