The World of Wine
The number of wines in the world is staggering. If you have ever traveled throughout the world I am sure you have encountered some amazing wines that you have never heard of before. In this article I will introduce you to some of my favorite wines of the world.
One of my favorite wines is Chianti. This wine originated in Italy sometime prior to the 1700s. The first Chianti recipe called for a blend of Sangiovese, Canaiolo and Malvasia Bianca. The wine became so popular that during the 1700s the Italian government decided to designate a specific Chianti region. Any wine produced outside of this region cannot legally be considered a Chianti. The original Chianti recipe called for 70% Sangiovese, 15% Canaiolo and 15% Malvasia Blanca. Today however for a wine to be a Chianti it must contain at least 80% Sangiovese. Now it is not uncommon for a Chianti to be 100% Sangiovese, or be a unique blend of various reds omitting white wine altogether. The sheer number of Chianti recipes available to wineries as ensured that virtually no two vineyards will produce a blend that tastes like any other. Personally my favorite Chianti is the Chianti Reserva which comes from the Classico region of Italy, has been aged for at least 27 months, and has an alcohol level by volume of 12.5%.
The next wine on my list of must try wines from around the world is one that was never originally used as its own wine varietal. I am talking about the Malbec. Malbec grapes have historically been somewhat difficult to grow. They probably originated in France, or in a region close to France. In French wines the Malbec grape is strictly used for blends. For instance it is one of the grapes used to make Bordeaux wines. It is often blended with Merlots and Cabernet Sauvignons to add richness and color to the wine. It was not until the Malbec grape was introduced to Argentina that it began to make a name for itself as its own wine variety. The Malbec grape grows practically well in the Argentinean climate making its production abundant in this region. In fact it has grown so well in Argentina that many people consider Malbec to be the country's national wine. When you drink a Malbec you can expect a very flavorful and robust wine with a deep purple color and a good amount of tannins.
Finally I am going to talk about Merlot. This grape and wine varietal has been around for several centuries, it most likely originated in France and is one of the 6 grapes commonly used to make a Bordeaux. It is an extremely popular grape in California because it grows there with relative ease. The Merlot grape is often blended with the much bolder Cabernet Sauvignon to soften the wine down. France is the primary producer of Merlot, growing nearly 2/3 of the worlds crop, however because this grape is so versatile it is grown in over 15 other wine regions around the world making it the third most produced grape. When the Merlot grape is used to produce the Merlot varietal of wine it makes a very medium body wine with hints of currant, berries and plum. Depending on the region this grape will either be harvested immediately when it is ripe, or it will be allowed to become over-ripe. The harvesting time has a dramatic impact on the taste of the grape which has created almost two distinct classes of the Merlot varietal.
I always like to challenge myself when I go to the wine store to find varietals and blends that I have yet to try. It seems that the number of blends that wineries can make is virtually limitless, so I am always pleasantly surprised by what I can find. Do not be afraid to ask the store clerk to help you find something new that you have never heard of. Finding and exploring new wines is what makes this hobby so much fun.
Article Source: http://www.upublish.info - Author: Alexander Ronald