The fascinating journey of wine doesn't begin in the cellar or wine shop, but in the vineyard, where each individual vine is lovingly tended and cared for. The winemaker's work begins long before the harvest, with the careful selection of grape varieties that best suit the region's climate and soil.
Depending on the grape variety and climatic conditions, viticulture can vary greatly. In some regions, the vines must be protected from frost in winter; in others, the biggest challenge is irrigation during the hot summer months. Caring for the vines requires knowledge, experience, and tireless dedication to ensure the plants remain healthy and produce the best possible grape quality.
Harvest is another crucial moment in a wine's journey. The grapes must be picked at exactly the right time, when the sugar and acidity levels are in perfect balance. Harvesting is often still done by hand to ensure the grapes are in top condition.
After harvest, the grapes are pressed to extract the juice. This juice, also called must, is then fermented. During this process, yeast converts the sugar in the must into alcohol. The result of this fermentation is young wine, which, however, is often not yet ready to be consumed.
The young wine is then often stored in barrels to age. During this aging, the wine undergoes a series of changes that affect its flavor and aroma. This aging process can last from a few months to many years and is crucial to the quality of the final product.
Finally, after the wine has reached its optimal maturity, it is bottled and labeled. Every bottle of wine is the result of a long process of dedication, patience, and craftsmanship. So the next time you enjoy a glass of wine, consider the journey this wine has taken, from the vine to the glass.