If you didn’t know, There is an abc difference between “Fine Wine” and the cheap stuff. Wine is not just fermented grapes, just like a Ferrari is not just a car. Right?
If something is well made or something is just mediocre, you will know and taste the difference.
Most people do not know the difference between fine wine and average wine from the store. That’s ok , It takes time and drinking fine wine and that will change. You may not taste a difference now, but there is one. The subtlety of fine wine versus mass produced average wine is very interesting.
There is a noticeable difference between a finely made sports car versus a mass produced economy car. The personal touch, and the process that goes into making it, allows us to see the difference in quality and performance. When it comes to Wine, the end result as you taste it, its how you know if it is fine wine. And that comes with practice.
The process of creating a fine wine begins with the natural environment. Soil, topography and climate have a huge impact in creating the finest wines in the world. If a vineyard grows grapes in a bad environment you are not going to get good grapes. There is a reason the best wines in the world only come from certain places. The Soil type, drainage, sun exposure all are part of growing good grapes. If any one factor is off, the grapes will not be world class and thus, the wine will not be.
Even with perfect grapes it can all still go wrong. The Winemaker is also a major factor in determining the quality of the wine. His decisions can make a awesome grape into average wine. The barrel type, how long to macerate, and how long to ferment all create unique tastes in the production of wine. If one mistake is made in this decision process, the wine will be not be noteworthy.
Equipment
The type of wood used in the wine barrels, the expertise of the Cooper (a person who makes wine barrels) is an important factor in determining the quality of the wine. Handcrafted wine barrels are expensive, Wine sits in these barrels for years until it is determined by the winemaker to be ready to drink. When you buy fine wine you are paying for the decisions of the winemaker.
The moment you taste a really great wine you will know all wines are not equal. You just have to know what to look for.
Cheap Wine Additive
Cheap wine has more sugar. Why? Because when the quality of the grapes are inferior, sugar improves the taste. Some cheap wines can have up to 2.6g/L of residual sugar.
Other differences in Cheap wine
- Machine Harvested
- Minimal aging
- Grapes from different regions
- Average quality grapes
- American oak barrels or no oak barrels
- Large production, mass produced
In order to make the finest wines in the world, it requires a personal touch and time. The wine making process can be sped up by cutting corners. Mass production wine facilities, can save time and money by cutting corners, but the effect is lower quality, average wine.
The Personal Touch
Finding Superb grapes such as those from Napa & Sonoma Valley are expensive, and making a amazing wine is expensive. The care, (hand harvesting) the equipment, ( French oak barrels), small production, extended time in fermentation, grapes from a single field harvested at the same time. ( one type), and minimal to no residual sugar. A experienced Winemaker who knows what he is doing and can get the very best from his grapes. All these decisions produce an amazing memorable wine created from a winemaker that loves cares about his wine.
You won’t find any of the above with your store bought “wine.” If you are curious and want to experience the difference from what you think “wine” is to what real wine is the check it out for yourself.
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