Organic wine What is the difference with traditional

Organic wine: What is the difference with traditional

por con No hay comentarios Blog

In recent years, organic wine has begun to open up a field in the wine industry in Spain and in many other countries.

It is a product that is characterized by putting into practice sustainable actions in its different stages of production, from the cultivation of the grape to the winery.

The purpose of the wine companies that are committed to this product is to promote so-called organic farming, that is, one that is respectful of the environment and the environments where the wine is made.

Currently there are several products that follow these requirements. Just take a look at the markets to find fruits, vegetables, legumes or dairy products, among others, that are marketed under this label.

The wines that are made within the framework of organic farming must have the certificate of the corresponding entities.

To be able to circulate in the market with this designation, it is mandatory that they carry a label that certifies their environmental commitment and sustainable practices. We teach you to identify them!

Difference to an organic wine from a traditional one?

Some of the traditional wines, although they do not have the organic designation, are made under practices that respect the environment.

However, what makes organic wine truly different is that the control is carried out throughout the production chain, not only in the cultivation.

To give us an idea of how organic wine producers act, we will tell you some of the characteristics of its production:

  • Natural fertilizers are used for the vineyards, as far as possible generated by the biomass of the crops.
  • The use of damaged grapes in the harvesting process is prohibited.
  • The cultivation plots do not contain pesticides or chemical additives, which makes the grapes that are produced healthier.
  • No machinery is used during sowing or harvesting, including tractors for plowing. The whole process is manual.
  • During clarification, carbon levels should be minimal.
  • The stoppers of the bottles must be made of natural cork.
  • Labels must clearly specify the ingredients of the wine and its production process. 

How to know if a wine is ecologic?

Look for the certification!

It is the only way to know that you are truly taking 100% organic food. It is the most effective way of guaranteeing the quality of the product and, in addition, it ensures that it has been cultivated or produced strictly following a series of specific procedures and regulations that the European Union dictates in the case of Europe.

In fact, one of the main missions of the administration is to ensure the quality of this type of food and to convey confidence to consumers.

This is the seal that identifies organic farming products in Europe. It is always accompanied by another stamp from the certifying body of your country of origin.

Fair Trade also tends to follow the guidelines of this type of organic production.

That is, its producers, in addition to worrying about the creation of optimal working conditions for the personnel in charge of the harvest, also promote actions such as the proper use of natural resources, saving electricity and water and recycling waste, among others. .

Some come from Latin American countries such as Argentina or Chile, where the development of associations of small producers is encouraged.

Wine bottles shapes and colors

Wine bottles: shapes and colors

por con No hay comentarios Blog

The types of wine bottles that we can find in the market are very different depending on the criteria or characteristics we serve.

Thus, the bottles could be classified according to the capacity or size, shape, content, glass, color. Therefore, today we focus on the types of wine bottles based on shape and color, and on later entries, we will discuss other classifications.

Types of wine bottles according to their shape

The different forms that we can observe in wine bottles have an associated name to refer to them that comes from the place where it was first used. Therefore, the reference that we must take so that we do not forget the name is this: its origin. Based on this we can distinguish (in general) the following types of wine bottles:

  • Bordeaux: this type of wine bottle is the one that we can see most commonly. Measurements: height 27.9 cm. and diameter 7.66 cm. Origin of the name: Bordeaux
  • Burgundy: the oldest known bottle type. Measurements: Height 28.7 cm. and diameter 80.5 cm. Origin of the name: Burgundy, French region.
  • Rhin: This type is often used for white wines. Measurements: Height 35 cm. and diameter 7.6 cm. Origin of the name: It comes from the Rhine River (Germany).
  • Cava or Champagne: it has thick walls to be able to withstand the pressure caused by the bubbles. Measurements: height 30 cm., Diameter 8.84 cm. Origin of the name: Champagne-Ardenne (French city).
  • Jerezana: bottle used for Jerez wine and Portuguese liquors. Measurements: Height 28.6 cm. and diameter 7.5cm. Origin of the name: Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz)
  • Franconia: it is the bottle with the most different shape compared to the rest since it is flattened and not cylindrical. Measurements: height 22 cm., Width 15 cm. Origin of the name: German wine region.

Does the shape of the bottle influence the wine?

The answer is no. The shape of the bottle itself is something totally aesthetic and corporate for each winery. Other aspects of the bottle may influence such as the color of the glass or the thickness of the glass in the bottle but the shape itself is a corporate thing. These aspects help to better preserve the wine and properly maintain the wine for the optimum moment of its consumption.

Color of wine bottles

The color used in the bottles has a protective function against the action of light, in order to better preserve the wine inside. The colors that we can find in the bottles can be black, blue, green (the most used), or transparent. Darker colors are usually used in wines that are going to spend a long time in the bottle (aging wines), while transparent bottles are usually used in rosé or white wines to appreciate their color.

Types of wine and how they are characterized

Types of wine and how they are characterized

por con No hay comentarios Blog

There are many types of wine. These, in addition to their appearance and taste, have other aspects that characterize them and make them very special drinks.

With this guide, you will not find which is the best wine in the world, since that depends on the taste of each one.

The best thing is that you know the difference between each type of wine to know which one best suits your tastes or the type of event for which you are going to use it.

Types of wine

White wine

Most of these types of wine are made with green grapes. Depending on the production and fermentation process, the result can be dry white wine, sweet white wine, or sparkling white wine.

Chardonnay: this grape is the most cultivated in the world, so you can find countless flavors in this type of wine. Its main characteristic is that it has a fruity flavor.

Sauvignon Blanc: Unlike the previous one, this type of white wine is drier and its tones are more herbal or floral, depending on the region and the production process.

Riesling: This wine was born on the banks of the Rhine, a river that crosses Europe between countries such as Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Champagne: As such, champagne is only native to the homonymous region in France, although you will surely find champagne created elsewhere, if you want the original, it has to be from this region; the rest are just sparkling wines.

Rosé wine

These types of wine are known as Rosé. This characteristic color can be obtained with different production techniques:

Contact for a short time with the skins (or peels) of black grapes, due to ‘bleeding’ (when a part of the red wine is removed during its fermentation

And the least accepted technique by experts … mixing red wine with white (no, please). All of them should be served cold, between 6 and 10 ° C is ideal. In addition, it is very common for a rosé wine to find several types of grapes in a single bottle.

The variants of this wine, in some cases, are very similar to those of red wine (at least in the name), these are the four most popular.

Cabernet: it is characterized by being a little drier than the rest. Ideal to accompany salads, white meat, seafood, and yes, also with red meat.  

Pinot Noir: this type is fruitier and commonly has a lower alcohol content. Its flavor is considered very versatile since it is the perfect combination for those who do not like the bitterness of the red.

Tempranillo: To accompany your desserts this summer it is the ideal, it is aromatic and light. The name is given because this type of grape ripens a little ‘earlier’ than the rest of the grape varieties.

Sparkling rosé: the finest ones also come from the Champagne region, however, they are made in many other regions. Most are with fruity flavors so you can accompany them with your summer brunch. 

Red Wine

What makes these types of wine so special are the tannins that are extracted from the grape skins during the fermentation process and the special aging that occurs in wooden barrels, to then age them for a long time in the bottles.

Cabernet: It is a traditional wine with an herbal taste, due to the level of tannins it has, and a more complete flavor than other red wines.

Cabernet Sauvignon: It is the most famous of the family of reds, distinguished by its fragrance and strong flavor.

Grenache: named for the type of grape with which it is made: the grenache or granacha, one of the most cultivated in the world. The vineyards where this wine is most produced are in California, France, Spain and Australia.

Malbec: one of the most popular wines from France and Argentina. Its grapes are of strong structure and rich in tannins. When tasted, its flavor becomes fruity, like blackberries or plums.

Merlot: another French wine, although it is also popular in northern Italy. It is one of those with the highest alcoholic content, with a fruity and spicy aroma.

Pinot Noir: It is one of the most difficult wines to grow, as it is only made with one kind of grape, and it is not recommended to mix them with another kind of fruit, which happens with other drinks.

As you will see, there are many types of wine that you can enjoy. Have you already decided on your favorite?

It might interest you: Wine: where did this valuable drink originate?