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Wine Categorization and Classification – Let’s Check Out!!

Wine categorization and classification is one of the most important parts of wine manufacturing and drinking. However, prior to continuing with the basics, it is necessary for you to know the right definition of wine. The simplest definition of wine is that it is an alcoholic drink made from grapes. Grapes from different vines are taken and crushed by the wine manufacturers. These crushed grapes are then added with required yeast. Yeast consumes the sugar content of the grapes turning them into wine.

Different Varieties of Grapes  There are different varieties of wines made from various types of grapes. However, the most dominant grape variety used for making wine is the Vitis Vinifera or common grape vine. This grape variety is native to Central and East Asia and Europe, but it is also planted throughout the world. This grape species is found in thousands of different varieties. The most well-known varieties of this grape species include Chenin Blanc, Zinfandel, Riesling and Merlot.What are Hybrid Grapes?  Hybrid grapes are the grapes that
are made using two different grape species. The wine that is made by combining two different varieties of grapes is called hybrid wine. Hybrid wine possesses the best qualities of both the grape varieties that it is made from. Hybrid wine is generally made using the American grape varieties that have the potential of withstanding cold and the European vinifera which is considered more fragile. The wine created using these grape varieties possesses increased disease resistance and tolerance to cold winters.

The Categorization and Classification of Wine

There are different varieties of wine available in different classifications and we will have a look at them below:

  • Dessert wines: These are sweet wines which are generally fortified.
  • Sparkling wines: These are wine varieties that contain carbon dioxide that makes them bubbly just like champagne.
  • Aperitif wines: Spiced or herb wines that are served before having meals.
  • Pop wines: These are sweet fruity wines much affordable than the other wine varieties.
  • Table wines: They are low-quality wines. Wine categorization is carried out by:
  • Vintage

Wine vintage refers to the year when the grapes were harvested and it should not be taken as the year when the wine was packaged   Non Vintage

Non vintage wines are the wines manufactured from grapes that come with varied vintages   Type

There are many countries that classify their wines as per the grape type used for making it. Pinot Noir and Merlot are the wines that are classified as per the different types of grapes used for making them.

Taste  Wine categorization is also done by taste. There are dry wines and then there are sweet and fruity wines as well. Wines are also categorized according to the specific flavors that they contain.   Vinification

Te procedure of making wine is called vilification. Good examples of categorization by vinification procedure include blush, rose and sparkling wines. A good example of sparkling wine is champagne. Sparkling wines are the wines that contain good amount of carbon dioxide.