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What does "vintage" mean?

The vintage year on a wine label is the harvest year of the grapes from which the wine was made. The characteristics of a particular vintage year are determined by the weather conditions and resulting grape crop for that year. A California wine with a vintage date must be made from at least 95 percent of grapes harvested in the designated year.

Are there rules to knowing which vintages are better for which wine regions?

The characteristics of a particular vintage are determined by the quality of that year�s grape crop. Improvements in wine making over the years have made vintage year less central to choosing a wine produced in most wine regions. Vintages are more important when collecting more expensive wines, especially those designed to be aged, and in growing regions where a less than satisfactory growing season is not compensated for using innovative wine making technology or practices. If you are interested in learning about specific vintages, reading wine publications and tasting wines from different vintages will help you determine a vintage�s characteristics.

How about all of these rating systems, are some better than others?

The purpose of a wine rating is to quantify a wine's quality separate from those factors that influence price. Rating systems vary. Some rating systems are based on a 50 to 100-point scale, others on a 5-point scale, etc. Keep in mind when looking at ratings, that the evaluation of wine is subjective. Factors like bottle variability, tasting conditions, and the judges' likes and dislikes will influence a rating. You are the best judge of wine when it comes to what you enjoy drinking. Ratings can be used as a helpful guideline for choosing a wine once you are familiar with the rater's preferred style (if an individual) or the preferred style of those judges whose opinions contribute to a rating.

Where does cork come from?

Corks are produced from the bark of a tree grown in the western Mediterranean. It is unique in that it can be peeled from the tree without hurting the tree.

Why is cork used to stop wine bottles?

Cork is used to stop wine bottles because its structure renders it light, elastic, and impermeable to most liquids and gases. Corks are produced using the bark of cork trees grown in the western Mediterranean.

What is a kosher wine?

A wine is kosher if it is made using strict rabbinical production techniques. A kosher wine cannot include any chemical additives, gelatin, lactose, glycerin, corn products or nonwine yeasts. In addition, the entire wine making process must be conducted by Sabbath-observing Jews under rabbinical supervision. Kosher wines are produced by wineries all over the world.

What is a dessert wine?

A dessert wine is usually a sweet wine drunk at or for dessert. Due to its sweetness it is drunk in smaller quantities than table wine. In the U.S., the classification of dessert wine is that of wines which are fortified (the addition of brandy or other spirits to raise the level of alcohol in the wine) whether they are sweet or dry.

Why are some wines white, some red, and some pink?

White wines are generally made with grapes with yellow or green skins. White wines can also be made from black-skinned grapes if the juice is separated from the grape skins early enough�i.e., before fermentation. Red wines get their color from being fermented in contact with the skins of dark grapes. Ros� gets its pink color by either a short contact time with the skins of dark-colored grapes before fermentation or by mixing finished red wine with finished white wine.

What are sulfites and should I be worried about them?

Sulfite is a term used to describe sulfur dioxide and other sulfur derivatives. Sulfites are found in all wines as they are a natural product of fermentation. Sulfur dioxide is used in wine making to prevent oxidation, kill bacteria and wild yeasts, and encourage quick and clean fermentation. The U.S. government requires wine labels to include "Contains Sulfites" to alert those who may be allergic to sulfites. Approximately 1% of the population is allergic to sulfites.

Is wine fattening?

The calories in a 4 ounce glass of wine ranges from about 80 to 100 calories. Lighter wines tend to have fewer calories than heavier wines. Some wines are higher in carbohydrates than others due to their residual sugars. For example, a dry Sauvignon Blanc may have 2 grams of carbohydrate where as a very sweet dessert wine could have up to 12 grams. Wine is fat free and contains no cholesterol.

Why do some wines give you a headache?

Histamines, found in the skins of grapes, seem to give some people headaches if they are sensitive to histamines. Red wine will affect a histamine sensitive wine drinker more than white wine because red wine has spent more time in contact with grape skins.

I�ve heard that drinking wine, especially red wine, is good for me. Is this true?

There has been more and more consensus in the last few years within the scientific community and governmental and public health circles that moderate wine consumption is in fact associated with a number of positive health outcomes. Specific information on this subject can be found at the sites listed below.

How is wine made?

The following is a synopsis of the basic steps taken to make wine: Grapes are crushed to release the sugar in their juice. The juice naturally ferments when yeast comes in contact with the sugar in the grape juice. The result is alcohol and carbon dioxide. Red wine is made with dark-skinned grapes and fermented with the grape skins. White wines are made with white grapes, or if made with some dark-skinned grapes the grape skins are removed prior to fermentation. Rosďż˝ wines have contact with the skins of dark-skinned grapes just long enough to impart a pink color. The fermented wine is then separated from the grape solids and transferred into a vat or casks where it is clarified, stabilized, and may be taken though optional processes. Finally, the wine is bottled.

 What is malolactic fermentation?

A natural process during which beneficial bacteria convert the malic (very tart) acid in a wine to lactic (softer tasting) acid. Malolactic fermentation can take place on its own or be prompted by the winemaker.

Is French wine better than wine made here in the U.S.?

Although wines from different regions will vary in style, quality wines are produced all over the world. Each wine region may produce many types of wine, but most likely specialize and excel in a few due to weather and growing conditions.