Wine is the universal language, which means that every nation has its own language of wine. This may be English or French, but both languages will have their own unique vocabulary for describing wine. One needs to learn this vocabulary to become a wine expert. For instance, in France, a bottle (vesage) is a bottle of alcoholic drink that is filled with grape juice. In Italy, the term for a bottle is typically a cotta bottle. In Spain, the word for a bottle is typically a shot glass.
Each of these terms has a slightly different meaning. For example, a “bottle” in Italy can mean a wooden barrel where the grapes were stored, and a “bottle” in Spain means a container made of copper. So, how does one go about mastering this language? The first thing one needs to understand is that a “bottle” is not necessarily a “cork”. If one cannot find a wine bottle with a cork, then he or she must assume that it is an empty bottle – and that a “corked bottle” is not really a bottle at all.
Let us take a look at the language of grapes in Italy. A “cioccolata” – or a “candy cane” – is a type of grapes harvested from the vine. A “cioccolata” may contain anywhere from two to seven different grapes, depending on the region where it was harvested. “Cigars” are all varieties of grapes; while “vines” refers only to the particular kind of vine that produced each grape.
Next, one should understand the meaning of “pinot grigio” – the name given to a variety of white, light-colored grapes. Pinot Grigio is the most popular wine in Italy, and is widely produced throughout the Italian peninsula. It is also produced in California, France, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and many other countries. A “certified” pinot grigio is one that meets certain standards set by the corresponding country. That is why if you buy Italian wine, you should always check to see if it meets these specific standards.
The grape used to produce this wine – which may be one of hundreds of different kinds – will affect the quality and flavor of the finished product. Each of the hundreds of different kinds of grapes used to make a single bottle of wine has its own name in Italian, and they all have their own unique aromas. You may think that you know Italian wine, but there are many subtleties you might not realize. For example, one varietal might have a fruity taste, but another one will have a strong grass or citrus aroma. Another varietal will have a very sharp and clean taste, while some others will have a sweet taste.
So if you’re a novice to wine, learning how to read a wine label can be a little confusing. However, once you get a taste of how different grapes smell, taste and behave when stored, you’ll understand what makes each bottle distinctive. In addition, you can compare the bottles and notes of their makers to help determine which are the best ones. With enough practice, patience and research, you’ll soon be an expert.
