Grapes are the main ingredient in wine. Grapes take on the flavour of the soil and grow sweeter in the sun as they grown on the vines. There are many different types of wine grapes and the variety of the grape and the blend of different varieties is the most significant factor which determines the flavour and character of a wine.
Grape varieties differ depending on the region they grown in. The humidity of the area is a big determiner of the quality of the grapes which is why wine is mostly produced in hotter climates such as France and California. The soil quality of the vineyard is also very important as better soil can create better grapes that in the end make the quality of the wine better. Insect infections or bad weather has been known to destroy whole grape harvests. Quality of the wine is maximized when all of the varieties involved in the wine making are suited to the site in terms of climate and soil structure.
Varietal Grape Blends of Wine Grapes
Wines made predominantly from a single wine grape variety that are usually specified on the label are called ‘Varietal’ wines. Wines made from single grape varieties are very popular and some examples that are made from a predominant grape are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Merlot, all very fashionable wine sellers throughout the wine industry.
Combination of Grapes are known as ‘Wine Grape blends’
Approximately all of the world's greatest wines are made from combining different grapes and different vats or barrels of the same grape. Today blending is important in the production of fine wine and may combine wines with different but harmonizing characteristics. Port, cherry and champagne are three well known grape blends. Some of the world's most valued and expensive wines are from the Bordeaux and Tuscany regions and are a blend of several wine grape varieties
The concept of ‘Terroir’
The concept of terroir is the variety of the grape, the elevation and topography of the vineyard, the type of soil used when growing grapes, the climate and season when the grapes are down and the local yeast cultures. The range of all of these possibilities leads to a great variety among wine products, which can be extended by the fermentation, finishing, and aging processes. Many producers use growing methods that preserve the smell and taste influences of their unique wine terroir, which all adds to a better bottle of wine at the end of the process.
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