Different types of grapes + different types of yeast = different types of wines: So, you probably know that wine comes from grapes that have been fermented. But did you know that this process only includes the addition of yeast...no extra nutrients, acids sugar or enzymes?

Where: Information obtained from some archaeological digs point to the domestication of the grapevine around Egypt, during the third millennium BC. Many of the regions producing wine today were started by the Romans. Back around 1000 BC, the Romans were credited with making major contributions to the classification of various grape colors and varieties, identifying diseases and employing new methods of fertilization and irrigation.

When: The oldest evidence available indicates that wine production began in Greece some 6,500 years ago. Their doctors were among the first to prescribe it and in doing so, discovered ways to prevent spoilage by using an assortment of spices and herbs.

How: If you believe in ancient tales, the discovery of wine belongs to a 'lady of the court' in Persia. After losing the favor of her father, the King, this Princess tried to poison herself by eating some table grapes that had spoiled in a jar. Instead of causing herself any bodily harm, she fell asleep in a giddy, intoxicated daze. She continued to imbibe in the grapes and her new behavior won her back the favor of the King, who immediately increased production of the 'spoiled' grapes.

Why: Recorded history reveals that wine was used in many different types of ceremonies to celebrate life events, for medicinal purposes and for some cosmetic applications. The legendary tales of Cleopatra recount how she promised Marc Anthony that she would drink 'the value of the province' in one glass of wine, before she would consume a glass with an expensive pearl in it.

In the News: Do you know what the most newsworthy and significant article ever written about wine is? The filler story, entitled 'Judgment of Paris' appeared in the June 7, 1976 issue of TIME magazine, and was just 4 paragraphs long, with no photos. The brief article centered around the debacle caused when some French judges chose a number of California wines over their own French wines (thought to be the only truly great wines), in a blind tasting.

Some of France's most-respected and trusted wine critics were on hand to judge the tasting in a wine shop in Paris, but the event drew the attention of only this one journalist, because all the others thought the French wines would win, no contest. With a list of the wines being tasted in his possession, the writer roamed through the room noting the reactions to the wine. What he heard continues to be an embarrassment to the French, even today.

'That is definitely California...it has no nose,' one judge said of a French wine. 'Ah, back to France!' exclaimed another as he sipped a Chardonnay from Napa Valley, California. Apparently the usual order of the wines being tasted had been changed because they needed to hurry the process along to free up the tasting room for a wedding.

The California wines won in all categories...and it was a wine shock heard round the world that is still talked about today.

Visit winerackbutler.com if you are looking for information on anything from a wine basket to a wine rack

Dan Maynard is an author and passionate advocate of wine. He maintains his website winerackbutler.com to help the wine novice appreciate the finer points of wine.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_Maynard
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-History-of-Wine&id=1962411

<-- Previous | Next -->

<< If you enjoyed "The History of Wine" then please some of our other wine articles. >>

More Wine Articles

Wine.gs . . . the home of red, white and rosé