What is Wine? | Fresh from Florida Blog

March 16, 2012

Posted by Tom under Uncategorized

A quick answer would be the combination of sun, water, fruit, earth and air. And generally we think of wine as a grape only product.

But is wine a really just a grape only product, or can wine be made from anything that will grow and ferment? Until very recently in Florida, the term viticulture referred to grapes and vineyard as a place where grapes grow.  There is new legislation in Florida that just passed to change this.  The legislation allows Florida wineries, making wine from other than grape products, to be eligible for certification as a Florida Farm Winery and receive the privileges and benefits associated with this certification. With the passing of this new law, there will be many more Farm Wineries in Florida.

Wine, by definition, is an alcoholic beverage made of fermented fruit or vegetable juice, usually grapes, but not always. Wines made from other fruits or vegetables, such as berries and citrus, are usually named after the fruit from which they are produced; such as blueberry and mango, and are generically called fruit wine. Historically fruit wines have lacked respect from traditional wine makers and wine drinkers, but do we really want to exclude so many other possibilities to have a good wine experience?

So really the question is what do we want wine to be? Should we stubbornly stay with traditional thinking of grapes only being the standard and only acceptable fruit for wine?  Are grapes better than other fruit for wine, or are some palates just not as open minded. I suggest we begin to decide for ourselves what we like.

Pick out something different on your next trip to the wine store and refer to the Guide below.

The Real Wine Lovers Guide to Enjoying Wines You Have Not Tasted Before Because You Are In A Wine Drinking Rut:

• Did you enjoy the wine?
• Did the wine suit your needs for the occasion?
• Did the wine fit your budget?
• Would you purchase this wine again?
• Did you get a satisfied feeling from stepping out of your comfort zone?
• Did you feel superior for knowing more than most about a different wine style?

Tags: Florida, viticulture, Wine, winery