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G
is for Grapes
Wine
is made from all kinds of things -- apples,
berries of various kinds, pears, peaches . .
. even honey.
But
the best wines -- the types of elixirs we think
of as "real" wines -- are made exclusively
from grapes.
So
now that we've reached the letter "G"
in our A-to-Z exploration of all-things-wine,
what better topic to explore than the primary
ingredient of our favorite beverage?
Enjoy!
"G"
is for Grapes
 Aside
from that tasty apple found in the Garden of
Eden, grapes probably were the very first fruit
cultivated by mankind.
How
do we know this? Well, according to historians,
grape seeds have been found in the ruins of
lake dwellings dating back to the Age of Bronze,
as well as in numerous Egyptian tombs.
Grapes
For Winemaking
There
are countless kinds of grapes, but the most
important from the perspective of making wine
are those categorized as Vitis Vinifera. Loosely
translated, the term means "wine-bearer."
Ampelographers
and botanists have identified and classified
several thousand Vitis Vinifera varieties, several
hundred of which have truly recognizable qualities
and are cultivated to any great degree.
The
Seeds Of Dispair
Wine
grapes do not remain true to type if grown from
seed. Such grapes are wonderful for munching,
but serve little useful purpose to winemakers.
The
grapes utilized for making fine wines are propagated
by planting cuttings, or by grafting. This method
assures the best possible quality from vintage
to vintage.
The
Many Faces Of Grapes
Different
grape varieties have their own advantages and
purposes:
- Some
make the best raisins.
- Some
make the best table grapes.
- Some
are very productive, and are ideal for making
mass-produced table wines.
- Some
are less productive, and concentrate their
aromas and flavors for the making of fine
wines.
- Some
are "difficult," thriving only in
certain areas with very specific climatic
conditions.
- Some
are quite flexible, bearing wine-worthy fruit
in any number of climates.
Scientists
and winemakers agree that of the thousands of
varieties identified, only between 20 and 40
render wines of good quality. That's why so
many vintners experiment with blends -- to extract
as much flavor and enjoyment out of their fruit
as possible . . . qualities that often are difficult
to find in a single varietal.
Nature's
Medicine
Study
after study has shown that those who drink wine
in moderation live longer, healthier lives than
those who over-indulge or abstain from drinking
altogether.
Ditto
for people who eat grapes as part of their regular
diet.
Wine
and grapes form a solid 1-2 punch in our desire
to live longer and more enjoyable lives.
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