Fermented Beverages

1. Wine
  Wine is an alcoholic beverage obtained by fermenting the juice of freshly gathered grapes. During fermentation, the yeast acts on the sugar of the juice and converts it into alcohol and carbon dioxide. The fermentation takes place in the district of origin according to local customs and traditions. Different varieties of grapes produce different type of wines. The species that produce grapes suitable for wine production is named as 'Vitis vinifera'. All varieties of vines planted in Europe are evolved from this species through cross-breeding to suit local soil and climate.
  There are many historic and prehistoric record of growing vines and drinking wines. But commercially, growing grapes was first introduced and spread by the Greeks. Nowadays, France produces more varieties wines than any other country in the world, while Italy is the largest producer of wine. The major wine producing countries are Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Australia, Hungary, Poland, England, USA, Russia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil. Relatively, small area of the world is wine producing. This is because the grapes produced in this region will only provide juice of the quality necessary for conversion to a drinkable wine.
Types of Wine :
 1. Table wine / Natural wine / Still wine
Table wines are referred to as still wines as they lack co-ordination. The alcoholic strength may range between (9-15)% by volume. This class of wine includes largest varieties. Table wines may be dry or sweet. Table wines include red, white and rose wines.
  • Red wine (Vin de Rouge) : Red wines are made only from black (red) grapes. When red wine is made, the grapes are crushed and the juice is fermented along with the skins. It is the skin that lends its color to the wine. Red wines are fuller bodied and normally dried. They are saved at room temperature. Example : Claret Bordeaux Rouge, Merlot, St. Emilion, etc.
  • White wine (Vin de Blanc) : White wine is usually made from green (white) grapes but occasionally it is also made from black grapes. When making white wine the grape juice is fermented away from the skins. White wines are lighter bodied and normally dried to vary sweet. Example : Sauvignon Blanc, Chablis, Sichel Rieslino, etc.
  • Rose wine : Rose wines are either made from black grapes where juice is allowed to stay in contact with the skins long enough to pick up a pinkest color or by blending red and white wine. They may be dry or semi-sweet. Rose wine are called blush wine in USA when made wholly by black grapes. Example : Rose Travel, Rose d' Anjou, etc.

2. Sparkling wine
Sparkling wines have carbon dioxide gas in it making them fizzy. The CO2 may result from second fermentation in the bottle or it can be injected under pressure. All sparkling wine get their sparkle from CO2. The alcoholic contain of these wines is less than 14%. These wines are drunk on festive occasionally and is compatible with most dishes. Example : Champagne, Korbel, etc.
 [ Note : Sparkling wines made in Champagne region of France is known as Champagne. The style or sweetness of sparkling wine are indicated on the level in the following ways: a) Brut {very dry or extra dry}  b) Sec {Medium Dry}  c) Demi Sec {Medium sweet}  d) Doux {very sweet}]

3. Fortified wine
These are wines which has been strengthened by the addition of distilled spirit (usually brandy) either during or after fermentation. They have an alcoholic content ranging between 15% to 22%. These wines are categorized into aperitif wines and dessert wines. Aperitif wines are dry and are therefore drunk before the meal while dessert wines are sweet and are therefore drunk after a meal. Example : Port, Sherry, Maderia, Muscat, Malaga, Marsala, etc.

4, Aromatized wine
These wines are prepared with the addition of brandy or neutral spirits and flavored with herbs,  barks and other botanical plants or flowers. They are traditionally served before meals as an aperitif and are often mixed in various cocktails. Example : Vermouth (Martini, Noily prat, Cinzano), Dubonnet, Lillet, Cap horse, etc.