subject: A Versatile Good White Grape Makes A Good White Wine [print this page] A cultivar refers to a plant that can be consistently reproduced to produce a specific characteristic. In the case of wine, the characteristic is the flavour that often lends the wine its unique name. A wine like Chardonnay will be produced from a grape cultivar of that flavour, no matter where in the world it is grown and produced.
White differs from red wines simply by the grape that produces the wine. A white grape produces a white wine. Geographic location of where the grape is grown will produce subtle changes in the basic flavour of that grape cultivars wine. France is the country that produces the most wine in the world. It is also the country that consumes the most wine in the world. The United States is fourth in wine production worldwide, but does not make the top ten list of wine drinking countries.
The name of a wine is often the name of the region that is known for the cultivar of its historical production. Chardonnay is a wine originally produced in Chardonnay, France. Cultivars of this grape stock are now grown in many countries. A California Chardonnay is different than a New York or Organ Chardonnay, but the family of grape is the same. The term varietal refers to the type of grape used to produce a specific wine. California varietals would describe the wine produced in California from a foreign cultivar. The term given to the region associated with the original location of origin is appellation.
Classification of wine can be done in several categories. Appellation is one method. Vinification, the method of how the grape is made into wine is another way to classify wines. The categories of vinification include white and red wine, sparkling, semi-sparkling, still, fortified and dessert wines.
The distinction in colour between white and red wine occurs through the process called maceration. The juice from all grapes is clear. The red colour of the red wines is bestowed by allowing the red grape skins to be in contact with the clear juice to impart the colour. The wine made from white grape varietals remains the natural colour of the grape juice. Blush wine results from shorter contact with the grape skins.
White wines are often paired with specific foods to compliment flavours. There are seven major white wines. Chardonnay is often served with fish or chicken. Sauvignon blanc is a versatile wine that compliments seafood, poultry and salads. Semillon is a good choice for fish and pasta salads. Moscato is a sweet wine enjoyed alone or with dessert. Pinot grigio is another versatile wine with a crisp, dry flavour. Gewurztraminer is perfect for Asian foods and pork. It is very aromatic. The sharpness of Riesling serves well with tuna, salmon, and eel. It compliments chicken and pork as well.
Champagne is a specific product of white wine made in or authorized from the region of Champagne, France. It is produced from a double, in bottle fermentation process that creates the sparkling beverage used in celebrations and boat christenings. Champagne appellation laws are very restrictive, only allowing grapes grown in designated plots to be labelled as "Champagne." The varietals used primarily for this beverage are Pinot noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. Wine producers in countries other than France have specific laws allowing the sparkling white wine they produce to be labelled as Champagne, although not specifically in an acceptable appellation. Some areas, specifically Oregon, prohibit the "Champagne" designation on product labelling.
