Joe’s Liquid Learning
Wine 101 Part 2
This week's reading covers the Look, Smell, & Taste sections of Tasting Wine from pages 12- 21. It is pretty amazing what you can ascertain from a glass of wine before you even drink it.
One thing that was hinted at in the previous chapter but could do with a little further explanation is the role that climate has on the profile of wine. In viticulture and wine production, climate is arguably the most critical aspect in ripening fruit to achieve optimum characteristics to produce a given wine style. The signature differences in wine styles come from climate: wines from a cool climate versus those from a hot climate. Varieties that are best suited to a cool climate tend to produce wines that are more subtle, with lower alcohol, crisp acidity, a lighter body, and typically bright fruit flavors, while those from warm climates tend to be bigger, bold, full-bodied wines with higher alcohol, softer acidity, and more dark, lush fruit flavors. Climate is in control here. Geology or soil does not produce these general differences; their impact is found in the subtle differences and/or expression of fruit characteristics and wine styles within the same climate or region.
Have a great week!