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What is Wine?
Before we can delve into specific topics associated with wine, we must first understand what wine is. Wine is basically fermented, refined grape juice that goes through a number of processes along the way to become the sought after product that we have come to enjoy. Before good wine can be made, a wine winemaker must first choose a good plot of land, with the right climate, soil drainage and soil type. In addition to the land and climate, they must then choose the right grape variety to match the surroundings. During the year, the winemaker and their team, watch the grapes to monitor such things as sugar content and pH (acidity). Once everything is just right, they pick the grapes and have them sent straight to the Chateau for processing. When the grapes arrive at the Chateau, they are washed and separate from the leaves (and stems in the red wine making process). Sulfates are added to kill bacteria and wild yeast. The juice is extracted from the grapes and poured into a stainless steel vat. A clarification step (done after fermentation for reds) is then needed to separate the juice from any solids (pulps, stray stems and dead yeast). The product we now have is called "must" (unfermented grape juice). Cultured yeast is added and the fermentation process begins. When the yeast eats the sugar, it creates three things; heat (which is controlled by cooling tubes surrounding the vat), CO2 (which dissipates out the top of the vat) and alcohol (this we keep). The fermented grape juice is then filtered (or fined) by passing through a cellulose pad or diatomaceous earth or a fining screen. The product is now wine, but its not finished yet. We now have to age the wine (either in stainless steel or in oak barrels) in order for it to mature a while before it can go into the bottle. When the winemaker feels that the wine is balanced enough to be put in the bottle, it is then transport to the bottling line, bottled, corked and labeled. I have just given you a very quick description of the wine making or "vinification" process. There are variations for white, red and sparkling wines and little things along the line that I will be writing about in the future, but those are the bricks and mortar of things. Jason Ernst |
August's Feature Producer ALICE WHITE of AUSTRALIA 
Alice White was launched in 1997 by a female writer and soon became one of Australia's fastest growing brands and an industry favorite. Excellent wine, creative packaging (with a small excerpt from her novel on the back label that changes with every vintage) and competitive pricing has allowed Alice White to fill a special niche for customers looking to expand their horizons in wine tasting.
The grapes for Alice White are carefully chosen from a fine selection of vineyards in South Eastern Australia. The long, warm days and rich soils of this region combine to produce ripe grapes with full fruit flavors. The harvesting in South Eastern Australia normally begins in early February.
2001 Chardonnay Retail price $7.99 This golden colored, classic southeastern Australian Chardonnay is bursting with tropical fruit and citrus oil flavors with delicate green apple aromas. This wine has good acid structure and can be paired with fish, chicken, grilled vegetables or a patio chair and a good book. 2002 Shiraz Retail price $7.99 This Shiraz has a deep, rich red color with notes of plum and berry on the nose. The fact that this wine is a Shiraz from southeastern Australia lead me to believe that this would be an in your face full fruit explosion, but I was most pleasantly surprised. It is quite subtle, medium-bodied with just the right amount of fresh fruit on the palate. She's done it again. I'd drink this wine with nothing else but would also enjoy it with a nice grilled rack of Aussie lamb. |
