The corks in wine and their effect on wine making
Corks have been used as closures for wine bottles for centuries. The cork is made from the bark of the cork oak tree, which is native to the Mediterranean region. The cork oak is an evergreen tree that can live up to 250 years. The cork is harvested from the tree every 9 to 12 years.
The cork is an important part of the wine-making process because it is used to seal the wine bottle. The cork seals the bottle and prevents oxygen from entering and damaging the wine. The cork also allows the wine to age slowly and develop its flavor.
There are two types of corks: natural and synthetic. Natural corks are made from the bark of the cork oak tree, while synthetic corks are made from plastic or other materials. Both types of corks have their pros and cons.
Natural corks are the traditional closure for wine bottles. They are biodegradable and allow the wine to breathe, which is important for the aging process. However, natural corks can be difficult to remove from the bottle and can also allow oxygen to enter the wine, which can cause the wine to spoil.
Synthetic corks are made from plastic or other materials. They are easy to remove from the bottle and do not allow oxygen to enter the wine. However, synthetic corks can impart a plastic taste to the wine.
The type of cork you use is up to you. There are advantages and disadvantages to both natural and synthetic corks. Ultimately, it is up to the winemaker to decide which type of cork is best for their wine. Original Article
The different types of grapes used in wine making
Different types of grapes are used in wine making depending on the climate, soil type and quality of the grapes. In warm climates, such as Australia and California, grapes like Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon thrive. These grapes are used to make red wines that are full-bodied with high tannin levels. White wines made in these regions are usually made from Chardonnay grapes, which produce a wine that is full-bodied with a buttery texture.
In cooler climates, such as France and Germany, Pinot Noir grapes are used to make red wines that are lighter in body with softer tannins. White wines produced in these regions are usually made from Riesling grapes, which yield a wine that is light-bodied with a fruity flavor.
The type of grape used in wine making also affects the color of the wine. Red wines are made from red or black grapes, while white wines are made from white grapes. The skin of the grape is what gives the wine its color. For example, a Pinot Noir grape will produce a lighter red wine because it has a thinner skin, while a Cabernet Sauvignon grape will produce a darker red wine because it has a thicker skin.
The flavor of a wine is also affected by the type of grape used. Grapes like Riesling and Chardonnay tend to produce wines that are fruity and floral, while grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz produce wines that are more savory and earthy.
Finally, the type of grape used in wine making can affect the price of the wine. Wines made from rare or hard-to-grow grapes, like Pinot Noir, can be more expensive than wines made from more common grapes, like Cabernet Sauvignon.
Visit howtomakewinefromgrapes.com to learn more about making wine from grapes. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.