By Sean Weiderick April 23, 2015 Comments Off on Wine Factors: What really counts?
There are four main factors that affect the taste and quality of a wine. They are: grape variety, vintage, producer and place of origin.
Grape Variety
When it comes to distinguishing one wine from another, this is usually the first, and sometimes the only, factor most people consider. This is strange because this is only one factor and it is, arguably, the least important. However, the grape variety/varieties used to produce a wine does play a major role in shaping the final product. Different grape varieties have different characteristics, which include: thickness of grape skins, colour, sugar levels, acid levels, as well as a unique set of chemical compounds that determine the wine’s aroma.
Vintage
Obviously, in different years, weather patterns and conditions may vary. In some places the weather variances are more drastic than in others. Factors such as temperature, rainfall, sunshine, frost and wind all come into play and can have huge impact on the taste and quality of wine.
Of course, the quality of a wine from a particular vintage (year the grapes for a wine are harvested) is not only affected by the weather, but how the grape grower reacted to the weather. Did the grower leave enough leaf-canopy to protect against the hot sun? Did they harvest soon enough to prevent frost from ruining the grapes? Did they harvest too early?
There is always a balance that must be achieved, in the vineyard, between what nature is doing and how humans react.
It’s worth pointing out that vintage makes a bigger difference in some wine regions than in others. Usually, arid wine regions only exist because of the addition of water – usually through irrigation. In these areas the weather doesn’t usually experience much change from year to year. In cooler regions, grape growers are at the mercy of all sorts of weather.
Producer
Who is producing your wine plays a major role in the final outcome. So many aspects are involved, from vineyard practices to harvesting methods to all the different decisions made in the winery. Vineyard practices would include things like: cutting bunches of developing grapes to reduce yield and improve quality, canopy management (how many leaves to cut off), and decisions about organic practices and pest management, just to name a few.
There’s also the decision about whether to hand harvest or machine harvest, which, depending of the gradient of the land, may not be a decision. Winery practices include things like: type of grape press, type of fermentation tank, what yeasts to use, type of vessel for maturation, how long for the maturation process, and whether or not to put the wine through filtration. That’s just a small sample. Some wine makers like to manipulate the wine in a lot of ways, others like to stay out of the way and let nature determine the final product. Needless to say, who is producing your wine will make a huge difference. It is probably the most important factor of all.
Place of Origin
While there are those who will argue that a wine’s origin is only important because of the wine practices and traditions in that area, experienced wine drinkers know otherwise. Wines, from certain places, taste a certain way. It is remarkably easy, for instance, to pick out a Tuscan red or a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
For me, every wine region has a flavour that is its own. This simply cannot be attributed to practices in the vineyard and the winery, important as those things are. Yes, those things make a difference. But, so does the soil, the weather, the water and, even, things like the local plant life. All of this is comprised in the French concept of terroir. There is no single word, in English, that can translate the word. But, essentially, it encapsulates all the aspects of a place, from earth to sky. That is: the soil, the gradient of the land and the weather. In some definitions, it even includes the relationship between the grape grower and the place.
It all sounds like mumbo jumbo to some, but I don’t agree. There are so many things that affect the final wine. The difference of one degree in temperature, on one day, for instance, will affect the taste and quality of the final product. Not only does the soil of every place differ, if only in minor ways, but so does the water, the weather and the temperature, to name only a few things. And, what about pollens and other things being blown by the wind into the vineyard? What effect do these things have on a wine?
The debate rages on. But, one this is for certain. Where a wine comes from, definitely matters.
Conclusion
Armed with a better understanding of the factors that affect the taste and quality of a wine, you will likely no longer walk into your local wine shop and request a “Merlot” without offering more details. I recommend exploring the wines of a particular region or, even, a particular producer. If you are exploring wines from a particular region, take notice of the vintage. You may be surprised at the differences between wines produces in different years.
When you start to become familiar with the subtle differences in wines that result from the different factors that can affect a wine, you will be well on your way to becoming an expert wine taster.
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As an avid enthusiast and expert in the realm of wine, I can confidently delve into the intricacies of the factors that significantly influence the taste and quality of this exquisite beverage. The article you provided, written by Sean Weiderick, touches upon four key elements: grape variety, vintage, producer, and place of origin. Let's explore each of these components with the depth of knowledge and evidence that sets a true expert apart.
1. Grape Variety: Undoubtedly, grape variety plays a crucial role in shaping a wine's character. Different grape varieties exhibit distinct characteristics, encompassing factors such as the thickness of grape skins, color, sugar levels, acid levels, and unique chemical compounds determining the wine's aroma. My expertise extends to the understanding that while grape variety is often the first consideration for many, it is just one piece of the intricate puzzle that is wine.
2. Vintage: The impact of weather patterns and conditions on the grapes harvested in a particular year, known as the vintage, is a critical aspect of wine appreciation. I can elaborate on the fact that variations in temperature, rainfall, sunshine, frost, and wind can significantly affect the taste and quality of wine. Moreover, the decisions made by grape growers, such as canopy management and harvest timing, further emphasize the delicate balance between nature and human intervention.
3. Producer: The role of the wine producer cannot be overstated. From vineyard practices to harvesting methods and decisions made in the winery, every choice contributes to the final outcome. I possess in-depth knowledge regarding vineyard practices, including yield management and organic farming, as well as winery practices such as fermentation techniques, maturation processes, and filtration. The impact of these decisions on the overall quality of the wine is immense, making the producer a pivotal factor.
4. Place of Origin: The concept of terroir, deeply rooted in the French tradition, encapsulates the idea that a wine's origin matters. I can elaborate on the multifaceted nature of terroir, which includes the soil, land gradient, weather, and even the relationship between the grape grower and the place. This holistic approach emphasizes that the unique flavor of wines from certain regions cannot be solely attributed to vineyard and winery practices but is also influenced by the local environment, including soil composition, weather conditions, and even local plant life.
In conclusion, armed with this comprehensive understanding of the factors shaping wine, consumers can make informed choices based on their preferences. Rather than simply asking for a generic "Merlot," I recommend exploring wines from specific regions or producers and paying attention to vintage variations. This nuanced approach is the key to developing a sophisticated palate and evolving into an expert wine taster. Cheers to the world of wine, where every sip tells a rich and intricate story!
