When I initially became a wine enthusiast, I didn’t understand the extent of where my best bottles originated. It used to be easy to pick one off the shelf at the best price. I had never considered anything but my budget. I thought I preferred a red variety over a white. I never went out of my way to learn the why behind the wines I favor. After culinary school I found a real passion to learn the facts behind the fruit. The first thing I had to consider was how wine comes from a vine.
Why are there are so many flavors of wine to choose from? It starts with the art of wine making, the science, and the study of grapes. Different regions grow different grapes, and not all grapes are the same. Depending on the climate, soil, microclimate, and topography, grapes grow specific to a wide range of regions. I have learned about the field which encompasses all of the details in grape growing. Viticulture, the science and study of grapes focuses on grape variety, terroir, planting, harvesting, and nurturing the fruit. In viticulture, the vintner is referred to as the vineyard owner, and a viticulturalist owns and participates in the harvesting of the grapes being grown. The main focus in viticulture is the concentration of soil health, climate, pest control, and grape optimization. Grapevines symbolize fertility, abundance, friendship, connection, and determination, therefore it is no surprise that wine is so popular among many.
Learning about wine and its rich history has taught me that different regions offer the ability to produce great fruit. The result is many great varieties of wine offering many diverse selections. For the fruit to flourish, vines have to adapt to a perfect balance of contributing factors to promote optimal growth. The goal is to get the best out of each grape, resulting in incredible taste, intensity, character, and balance. Through proven farming practices, the science, soil and other biological processes transform grapes into actual wine. The terroir, or region can greatly impact grape maturation, derived from different species of grapevines and their environment. Many people like traveling to different regions to experience the beauty of tasting, experiencing, and learning about how wines are produced from unique cultures and climates.
I find there is something really special about sitting at a vineyard, overlooking the rows of vines anticipating the next wine that wins my heart. I believe understanding the process and the people behind each winery creates an experience like no other. I highly enjoy the feeling as I sip, savor, and indulge all five senses for the perfect pour. I get excited to meet the winemaker, listen and learn about the passion behind the wines they produce. Whether a wine enthusiast, or just enjoying a simple glass, it’s good to get familiar with your favorites. Find the why for the ones you prefer, pick a bottle, pour a glass, and prepare your palate to be pleased.
