CONTENT
- Characteristics of wine grapes
- 1.- Adequate chemical composition
- 2.- Distinctive aroma and flavor
- 3.- Good size and cluster shape
- 4.- Suitable skin
- 5.- Optimal maturity
- Varieties of wine grapes
As you may have learned in our article about grape harvesting in different regions of the world , winemaking goes beyond picking grapes, subjecting them to a vinification process and bottling them. To make a good red, white or rosé wine , there is a vast knowledge both in the field and in the wineries.
Agricultural engineers, as well as winemakers, must have sufficient knowledge to distinguish grape varieties and know which ones are ideal for producing wines according to the characteristics of the climate and soil in which their vineyards are located.
In this article, we are going to tell you about the variety of grapes for wine, exploring their origins, their main characteristics and how they influence the final result of our glasses. So if you want to know more about this, pour yourself a wine and continue reading.
What is vitis vinifera?
First of all, we must clarify that within the universe of grapes that exist, those of the vitis vinifera variety, also known as wine grapes , that is, the specific variety of grapes cultivated mainly for the production of wine .
These have particular characteristics that make them suitable for the production of quality wines, since they have the right balance between sugars, acidity, and tannins ; compounds that influence the flavor, aroma, and structure of the wine.
Characteristics of wine grapes
There are thousands of varieties of wine grapes around the world, each with its own unique characteristics of flavor, aroma and adaptation to different climates and wine regions, but below we are going to share with you some of the basic characteristics that wine grapes possess:
1.- Adequate chemical composition
Wine grapes must have a balanced chemical composition that includes adequate levels of different compounds such as sugars as they provide the alcohol potential during fermentation, while acidity contributes to the freshness and stability of the wine, finally tannins provide structure and aging capacity.
2.- Distinctive aroma and flavor
Each wine grape variety has a particular aroma and flavor profile . For example, Cabernet Sauvignon may have notes of blackcurrant and green pepper , while Chardonnay may exhibit aromas of apple and white flowers . These aromatic and flavor attributes are essential in defining the character of the wine and can vary depending on the terroir in which they are grown.
3.- Good size and cluster shape
The shape and size of grape bunches are important for winemaking . Bunches should be compact and of an appropriate size to facilitate harvesting and prevent the formation of mold and diseases.
4.- Suitable skin
Likewise, in our article on grape harvesting , we mentioned that the skin of the grapes is a factor in their collection since it must be thick enough to protect the grapes during growth and fermentation , but not so thick that it negatively affects the extraction of color and aromas during maceration.
5.- Optimal maturity
The ripeness of grapes is crucial. They must be harvested at the right time to ensure that sugars, acidity and other compounds are at their optimum for winemaking. Improper ripeness can result in unbalanced wines.
Varieties of wine grapes
Some of the most famous wine grapes include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc , among many others. These varieties are used in the production of a wide range of Mexican and foreign wines , from structured reds to crisp, sparkling whites, and each contributes its own distinctive qualities to the final product.
Below we are going to tell you about some of the grape varieties that we use at Vinos El Cielo:
1.- Sauvignon blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is native to the Loire Valley region of France , but is grown all over the world. This grape variety produces fresh, dry and aromatic wines , with notes of citrus, herbs, freshly cut grass and sometimes mineral touches.
It is worth noting that Sauvignon Blanc wines are generally consumed young to appreciate their freshness and vivacity . They are an excellent choice to accompany seafood, fish and light dishes.
2.- Chardonnay
Chardonnay is native to the Burgundy region of France and is one of the most iconic grape varieties from this wine region. It has been successfully planted in many wine regions around the world, from California to Australia and Chile.
Chardonnay wines can have a wide range of flavors and aromas. Depending on factors such as climate, soil, and winemaking techniques, Chardonnays can offer notes of apple, pear, peach, pineapple, citrus, and when aged in barrels, develop notes of vanilla, butter, and toast .
Non-oaked Chardonnays are characterized by their freshness and fresh fruit flavors . They are ideal as aperitifs and pairings with light dishes such as seafood and salads. While oak-aged Chardonnays tend to be richer and full-bodied and are suitable for more substantial dishes such as roasted poultry and creamy pasta dishes.
3.- Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is also native to the Loire Valley in France and is known for its versatility in producing dry, semi-dry, sweet and sparkling wines.
Chenin Blanc wines range in style from dry with aromas of apple and pear to sweet with notes of honey and apricot. They have a natural acidity that makes them very refreshing.
Unlike Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc is known for its ageing ability and improves with time . Dry wines are ideal as aperitifs or to accompany poultry and seafood dishes, while sweet wines are perfect for desserts and cheeses.
4.- Cabernet Sauvignon
On the other hand, Cabernet Sauvignon is originally from the Bordeaux region of France , and is also the most widely cultivated Vitis vinifera variety in the world. This grape produces full-bodied and structured red wines .
Cabernet Sauvignon wines typically have aromas of dark fruits such as blackcurrant and plum, as well as notes of spice, tobacco, and often show a hint of vanilla and wood when aged in oak barrels. They can improve over time, developing softer sensations and more complex aromas as they age in the bottle .
5.- Merlot
Merlot is originally from the Bordeaux region of France and has gained a lot of popularity due to its smoothness and versatility. Merlot wines are typically soft and fruity, with notes of red fruits such as plum, cherry, and blackberry. Merlot tends to have softer tannins compared to other red grape varieties, giving it a silky texture on the palate .
6.- Malbec
Although the Malbec variety has its roots in France, it is in Argentina where it has reached its maximum expression and popularity . The Mendoza region is especially known for its wines made from the Malbec grape.
They are known for their aromas of black fruits such as blackberries and plums, with hints of spice, violets and often earthy or mineral notes. They tend to have moderate tannins, making them accessible and appealing to a wide audience.
7.- Tempranillo
Tempranillo is a red grape variety widely grown in Spain and is the main grape used in the production of high-quality red wines in many wine regions of that country. It is also grown in other parts of the world, such as Portugal, where it is known as Tinta Roriz or Aragonez, and in some regions of the Americas, such as Mexico and the United States.
Tempranillo wines tend to be versatile and pair well with a variety of foods, including roasted meats, sausages, cheeses, paella and tomato-based dishes.
8- Syrah
Syrah is a red grape variety known for producing complex red wines with aromas. Wines made from Syrah grapes are known for their deep, dark color, with intense aromas of dark fruits such as blackberries, blueberries, and plums, along with notes of black pepper, spices, and even floral and herbaceous notes.
In addition, they tend to be highly appreciated wines with an interesting production spectrum from soft and elegant wines to more intense and tannic wines , depending on the region and winemaking practices.
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