The most undemanding category of wine from the classification. Categories of wine quality in European countries

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Grape wine is a unique product, which contains more than 350 chemical compounds, including almost all the chemical elements of the periodic system of Mendeleev.

Such an alcoholic drink can be prepared with the addition of alcohol, in which case it is called fortified or alcoholized. At the same time, alcohol, which is used by some producers in winemaking, must be rectified (purified from impurities).

Wines are usually classified on the basis of the technology of their preparation and indicators of the chemical composition, namely the content of sugar and alcohol in it. There are other equally important signs of wine classification: by color, by age and quality.

Features of the classification of wines by color

Wines are red, pink and white in color. By itself, grape juice does not have a pronounced color, regardless of the grape variety. The coloring matter that is present in the skin of the grapes is responsible for the color of the wine.

White wine

White wine color varies from light straw to dark amber. In the first case, these will be dry wines of a short aging period, and in the second - dessert and fortified alcoholic drinks. White wines are made from light grape varieties, although in rare cases these wines can be made from red (black) varieties of the vine. To do this, the berries are pre-peeled, because it contains coloring pigments.

Pink wine

Rose wines have the appropriate color (light and dark tones). In their manufacture, only special grape varieties are used - the Muscat pink variety (it is he who gives a specific pink color). Rosé wine is produced in two ways. The first involves the combination of white wine with a small amount of red. When choosing the second method, one should adhere to the interrupted process for the production of red wines. When the grapes secrete pink juice during the fermentation process, it should be pressed and left to ferment at a temperature of 20 ºС.

Red wine

Red wines familiar to everyone without exception. Their color may have a rich ruby or dark garnet hue. For their production, a specific variety of black grapes is used.

The secret of manufacturing technology lies in the use of absolutely the entire berry - the skin and seeds of grapes, as well as the resulting juice. The characteristic color of the wine is formed due to the presence of a special pigment, which is contained under the skin of the berries.

Varieties of wine according to the stage of completion of alcoholic fermentation

For a long time, people were not aware of the process of converting sweet grape juice (must) into alcohol-containing wine. Many people were especially surprised by the various stages of technology, when at first the wort begins to become cloudy, then foam, releasing a decent amount of carbon dioxide. Therefore, magical properties were attributed to the wine drink. According to one of the legends, the juice of the fruit becomes intoxicating due to the settlement of a special spirit in it. In the course of the development of scientific activity, it was found that fermentation is carried out with the help of yeast (microorganisms), which multiply in favorable conditions and have the ability to turn must into wine within a few days.

According to the stage of completion of alcoholic fermentation, the following wines are distinguished:

dry;
semi-dry(semi-sweet);
fortified.

When making dry wines, the sugar in the must is completely fermented. It is absent in the drink, because fructose has turned into alcohol as a result of fermentation. In semi-dry and semi-sweet wines, a small part of the sugar that is originally present in grape juice is retained after fermentation. The special features of fortified wines include the addition of edible alcohol to the fermenting must. As a result of such actions, the fermentation process stops its activity, and a certain amount of unfermented sugar remains in the wort (according to the recipe).

Fortified wines are classified into strong(no more than 20 percent), dessert And liqueur(no more than 17 revolutions and a high content of natural sweetness).

Classification of wines by quality

According to the quality of wine, ordinary, vintage and collection wines are distinguished. The first type of alcoholic beverage is sold without aging, while their sale is possible no earlier than 3 months from the date of grape processing. Such wines have a traditional taste and do not differ in special quality.

Vintage wines are made from the best grape varieties grown in certain areas with a favorable climate. A special technology is set for each brand of wine individually. Vintage wines have a certain aging period, for dry table alcoholic drinks it is at least 1.5 years, and for strong and dessert drinks - at least 2 years. Such wines have high taste qualities that do not lose their dignity from year to year. Collectible wine drinks after the end of the aging period according to the recipe are additionally matured for at least 3 years.

It is important to note that a valuable drink can be made from one grape variety or several of its varieties (blended). For example, popular strong wines ( port and Madeira) are made from 15 grape varieties, the composition of which ultimately allows you to get an alcoholic drink of very high quality.

It should be noted that healthy and well-made wine should have aroma, bouquet, but not smell. In the case of the presence of the last sign, we can conclude that there is a disease in the berries. Moldy smell during processing of grapes can result from mold damage to the vine or due to uncleanliness behind winemaking equipment or containers.

Currently, there is no reliable data on who and when first made wine. In this regard, there are many myths and legends. Mankind has been familiar with such a valuable drink for more than 5 millennia. Quite often, wine has had a direct impact on the development of civilization: wars have arisen because of it, great works of art have been created thanks to it. According to historical data, at the beginning of the first millennium, there were more than 80 varieties of wine that the Greeks and Romans could boast of.

Archaeological excavations have found an ancient vessel, which was made in 5000 BC. At its bottom, scientists found hardened remains of wine. Thus, we can conclude that the drink began to be produced at a time when agriculture was just beginning to emerge.

Civilization and winemaking developed simultaneously. The true masters of winemaking were the Egyptians - this is confirmed by the numerous paintings that were buried in the tombs. The drawings depicted the main stages of vine care, harvesting and the immediate stages of wine production.

The evolution of winemaking is visible to the naked eye. Today, thousands of varieties of wines of various varieties and tastes are produced in many countries of the world. Approximately 280 million hectoliters of wine are sold annually. The main body that controls the wine industry is the International Organization of Vine and Wine (45 countries participate).

In ancient times, wine was considered a gift from the gods and a symbol of vital energy. In the Christian religion, it is identified with human blood, being actively used in various religious ceremonies. The undoubted benefits of a valuable drink for the human body should also be emphasized, provided that it is not abused. Today, wine accompanies all significant human events: both joyful and sad.

results

Wine is an alcoholic beverage with a strength of 9 to 16% ( natural wines) and from 16 to 22% ( fortified wines). Wine is obtained through the full or partial fermentation of grape or any other juice from fruits and berries. There is a whole science that deals with the study of wines - this is oenology. There is no one way to classify wine, and, probably, there cannot be. The classification will depend on the type of fruits and berries from which the drink is made, on the color and quality of the drink, on the percentage of alcohol and sugar.

Classification of wines by fermented product

The easiest way to “disassemble” wines into types is to classify them according to the product that has undergone fermentation. On this basis, wines can be divided into the following types:

grape prepared only from grape juice;
fruit wines(pears, apples and other fruits are used for their preparation);
berry wines(garden and wild berries, cherries, plums, peaches, apricots, etc.);
vegetable wines(for their preparation they use the juice of trees, melons, watermelons, flower petals);
raisins(made from dried or dried grapes).

Division of wines according to color and quality

Depending on their color, wines are divided into three types: red, white and pink. White wines can range in color from light straw to amber. Red and rosé wines come in many more shades, ranging from light ruby to deep garnet. If white wine darkens over time, then red wine, on the contrary, turns pale - the coloring substances contained in the wine precipitate. The sediment does not mean that the wine is of poor quality - on the contrary, it is an indicator of the naturalness of the product. Depending on the quality and aging time, wines are usually divided into the following types:

young wines,
unaged wines,
aged wines,
vintage wines,
collection wines.

Vintage and collection wines are considered the best. The first are made in the same wine-growing regions from the same grapes, which retain their aroma and taste for years. The second - aged for years and decades.

Classification of wines according to the method of preparation

In the explanatory dictionary of V.I. Dahl wrote the following words: "Wine is the juice squeezed from the fruit of the grape, often seasoned with various drugs." What are these drugs? According to the method of making wine are:

natural;
sweetened with honey or sugar;
flavored(with the addition of plant extracts);
fortified(with the addition of alcohol).

Types of wines by sugar and alcohol content

Depending on the content of alcohol and sugar, wines are: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, dessert semi-sweet, dessert sweet, liqueur, strong, flavored dessert, flavored strong. Dry wine contains from 8 to 11% alcohol and up to 3 grams per liter of sugar, dessert wine contains 15-17% alcohol and 160-200 grams per liter of sugar. Semi-sweet wine has a strength of 9-13% and 30-80 grams of sugar per liter of drink.

In our classification, we did not mention wines that contain carbon dioxide. Table wine can be carbonated naturally or artificially. The first wines are called champagne, although from the point of view of law this name is incorrect. Champagne is wine that was made in the Champagne region. In the second case, the wine is called fizzy or carbonated.

French wines France has long been famous for its winemaking traditions. The most famous grape regions are Burgundy, Bordeaux and Champagne. Every wine connoisseur knows such names as Grave, Beaujolais, Medoc, Chablis.

Italian wines Italy also produces very high quality wine. For example, in the city of San Gimignano, in Tuscany, they make the famous white wine Vernaccia, and in the province of Piedmont, Barolo wine is made.

Spanish wines The wines of Spain can be divided into four categories: Vino de Mesa, Vino de la tierra, Denominacion de Origen (DO), Denominacion de Origen Calificada (DOC). The first wines are not marked with any labels, the second ones are indicated by the grape variety, region and year of production. The third category includes wines from certain regions. The fourth category is the highest, and can only be assigned to the best wine-growing regions.

It is not easy to sort through a wide range of wines. They can be classified according to different criteria: preparation method, materials, alcohol and sugar content. In order not to get confused in the names found on beautiful bottle labels, you need to know the main types of wines. We will talk about them in this article.

Classification by wine material

First of all, wines are distinguished by the juice that is used to make them. On this basis, they are divided into vegetable, raisin, grape, fruit, berry and multi-sort.

Grape wines are considered the most noble. Many experts generally believe that drinks made from sunny berries have an advantage over all others, and alcohol made from other raw materials is more like a herbal tincture. The classification of grape wines is very diverse. They are allowed to age only in oak barrels with strict adherence to the recipe. In addition, nothing can be added to noble wine except sugar and grapes.
Fruit wines are made from apple and pear juice. They turn out light, with a characteristic bright aroma and taste. As a rule, they are low-alcohol. There are people who drink only these types of wines and consider them the most delicious.
Vegetable wines are made from the sap of trees (maple, birch), as well as watermelons, melons, rose petals and even garden plants (parsnips, rhubarb). This exotic alcohol really resembles a vegetable tincture, but it contains much less alcohol than other similar drinks. Fans of such alcohol claim that it contains a lot of valuable vitamins and other useful substances.
Berry wines are made from forest and garden berries. They are also made from apricots, cherries, peaches and plums.
Raisin wine is a rather rare guest on our table. Its name speaks for itself: for the manufacture of this drink is used
Multi-varietal wines are created in a special way: by mixing different grape varieties. Depending on the manufacturing technology, salmon and blended drinks are distinguished. The former are made by mixing several grape varieties at the processing stage, while the latter are created by combining ready-made wine materials.

Color classification: red wines

Different types of wines are displayed on the shelves of shops. They are often distinguished by their color. This is the most common classification of wines, according to which they are divided into white, red and rosé. Let's dwell on this issue in more detail.

For the preparation of red wines, pre-crushed berries of scarlet grape varieties are used. With prolonged exposure, this drink loses its rich color. Therefore, it is always brighter than aged.

Famous wines are made from red grapes. The most famous of them are:

Bordeaux is a wine made in Western France. This is one of the most famous noble drinks in the world. It is traditionally served with a roast.
"Cabernet Sauvignon" - wine with a thick and complex aroma. It is usually served with chicken meat or pasta.
"Chianti" - Italian wine with a rich aroma. It pairs perfectly with steaks and burgers.
Beaujolais is a light young wine.
"Merlot" is a thick and fragrant drink used with the simplest food.
"Pinot Noir" - tart and thick wine that goes well with any dishes.

Color classification: white wines

Many people prefer light ones. In most cases, they are made from white grapes. Sometimes red ones are also added to them, but then the skin containing coloring elements is first removed from the berries.

The following wines are made from white grapes:

"Sauvignon Blanc" - a drink with a herbal flavor that goes well with fish dishes.
"Chardonnay" - wine aged in oak barrels, perfect for simple and light food.
"Chenon Blanc" - a drink with a sweet taste. It is usually served with chicken and vegetables.
"Riesling" - wine with honey aroma. It is combined with veal and oriental dishes.
Sauternes is a thick, sweet dessert wine.
Gewuztraminer is a refreshing drink that goes well with fish and spicy dishes.

Color classification: rosé wines

To obtain a delicate pink color in the manufacture of such varieties of wines, the skin is removed from the grapes immediately after the start of fermentation. Drinks are made from a mixture of white and red berries. It uses the technology for the production of white wines.

Classification by alcohol and sugar content

On this basis, drinks are divided into table, sparkling and fortified.

Everyone knows what types of table wines are: dry (sugar content - up to 0.3%), semi-dry (sugar - 0.5-3%) and semi-sweet (sugar - 3-8%).

May have a different ratio of alcohol and sugar. They differ in that during the fermentation process they are saturated with carbon dioxide. The most famous such wine in the world is champagne.

Fortified wines, in turn, are divided into flavored, liqueur, sweet, dessert semi-sweet and strong. Such drinks include such famous types of wines as Madeira, Port and Sherry. They have been enjoying well-deserved popularity among consumers for decades. For example, in Soviet times, many people drank port wine. Some still prefer to drink fortified wines.

Classification by manufacturing method

According to the method of production, experts distinguish several types of wines: natural, effervescent, alcoholic, diluted, sweetened.

Natural alcoholic drinks are created exclusively from juice, the addition of other third-party substances is strictly prohibited.
Effervescent wines are made with the addition of carbon dioxide. These include champagne and cider.
Alcoholic drinks contain wine alcohol, which increases their strength.
Diluted wines are made from a mixture of water and fruit juice. Such alcohol is petio, as well as grape and berry halves.
Sweetened drinks are made with honey and sugar. They are liqueur, dessert and honey.

High quality wines

Among the variety of alcoholic products, high-quality wines stand apart. They are produced exclusively at a favorable time for the ripening of grapes from special varieties that grow in certain geographical areas. Depending on the period of manufacture, such wines are divided into collection, vintage and aged.

Collection wines are elite alcoholic drinks. They are aged in oak barrels or metal containers, bottled in special bottles and additionally insisted in enotecas (wine storage) for at least three years. It is this product that is the most expensive in the world.

Fine wines are high-quality drinks that are aged for a certain amount of time. Table varieties of wines are infused for at least one and a half years, and strong ones - about two years.

Aged wines after production are aged in stationary containers for at least six months. Time is counted from the first of January of the following year.

Conclusion

In this article, all popular types of wines have been considered. Now you can go to the store and competently study the assortment presented in it: you can easily figure it out in the motley variety of wine labels. Choosing a really good drink can sometimes be difficult. In an ordinary store you can hardly find expensive collection or vintage wines. However, most ordinary people cannot afford them, and among ordinary alcoholic drinks from grapes you can find very good specimens. Good luck with your choice!

Wine is an amazing drink with a complex character. Like a person, wine can sometimes be gentle, playful, passionate, and sometimes even harsh. To navigate such a wide range of wines, it can be classified according to certain characteristics (such as: wine material, preparation method, color range, alcohol and sugar content). After reviewing the classification below, you will no longer get lost in the terms that are found on wine labels. Most types of wine are easy to remember when grouped into several small groups.

Classification of wines according to the original product for production

Grape wines. In the process of winemaking only grapes are used. Any other raw material is not used, with the exception of sugar and oak barrels.
Berry wines. They are made from garden and forest berries, as well as from their seeds. For example: cherry, apricot, peach, pomegranate or plum wine.
Fruit wines. The production process uses pear or apple juice.
Raisin wines. Made from dried grapes (raisins).
Vegetable wines. Natural ingredients are used as starting material: sap of deciduous trees (birch, maple), juice from watermelons and melons, some garden plants (parsnip, rhubarb), as well as fragrant rose petals.
Variety wines. They are divided into sepazhny and blending. They are obtained by mixing several grape varieties or different wine materials. In the process of making blended wines, finished wine materials (the fermentation of each of the varieties took place separately) are mixed. And the joint processing of some varieties is the prerogative of sepazh wines.

Classification of wine by color

Based on grape varieties and fermentation time, wines can be divided into rosé, red and white.

Red
The production technology of red wine involves the use of previously crushed berries of "dark grapes". Moreover, the color of young wines will always be lighter than a drink that has undergone a longer exposure. Classic red wine brands are Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chianti, Beaujolais, Merlot and Pinot Noir.

White
Berries of red or white grapes, from which the coloring skin was previously removed, serve as raw materials in the process of making white wines. Bright representatives of this type of wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Chenon Blanc, Riesling, and Sauternes.

Pink
To obtain light rosé wines, "black" and "white" grape varieties are mixed, the skins of which are removed at the very beginning of the fermentation process. The world knows such rose wines as Bordeaux Claret, Merlot, Rose Burgundy and others.

Classification of wines according to the content of alcohol and sugar

Table wines: dry (alcohol - 8-15%, sugar up to - 0.3%), semi-dry (alcohol - 10-12%, sugar - up to 3%) and semi-sweet (alcohol 10-12%, sugar up to - 8%).
Fortified wines: strong (alcohol - 18-20%, sugar - up to 14%), dessert semi-sweet (alcohol - 14-17%, sugar - up to 16%), sweet (alcohol - 16-17%, sugar - up to 20%), liqueurs (alcohol - 14-18%, sugar up to 35%), flavored (alcohol - 17-19%, sugar - up to 16%). Fortified wines include: "Port wine", "Sherry" and "Madera".
Sparkling wine. The most famous type is champagne, which is obtained in the process of secondary fermentation and saturation with carbon dioxide.

Classification of wines according to the method of production

Sweetened - wines to which honey or sugar is added to enhance the taste. These include liqueur, dessert and honey wines.
Natural - wines made exclusively from juice, without the presence of foreign substances.
Alcoholic - strong drinks containing pure wine alcohol.
Diluted - grape and berry half-wine, fruit juice in which is diluted with water.
Effervescent - drinks containing carbon dioxide.

Classification of wines by age

Aged wine must be aged for at least 6 months in stationary containers before bottling.
vintage wine is of high quality and aged in barrels until bottling for at least 2 years (fortified and dessert wines), and at least a year for table wines.
Collection wines - These are the most expensive wines in the world. The technology for making this type of wine requires aging in oak barrels or metal containers for at least three years.

Skillfully using the information provided, you can easily navigate in a huge variety of tastes and colors, enjoying a drink that has, in truth, a unique charm.

is a multifaceted drink and an indispensable element of the culture of any country. Knowing the types of wine is necessary in order to choose a quality and tasty drink.

According to the color of the wine

To understand the question of how many colors are used in the classification of wines, you need to understand that there are 2 main grape varieties: black and white.

The classification of wines by color includes 3 main names:

Red. The drink is made from dark grapes. Its tone is able to change from light to dark shades, it depends on the grape variety. Precipitation is allowed.
White. It is made from light grades. Rarely from dark grapes, from which the skin is previously removed, which has most of the coloring substances.
Pink. It is made from dark berries, from which the skin is removed, or from a mixture of dark and light grape varieties.

Both light and dark grape varieties consist of brightly colored flesh. Therefore, a white drink can be made both from light fruits, and from dark or even scarlet ones. However, red is made only from black, scarlet or blue berries.

There are the following types of red wine:

Merlot. Made from one of the most popular grape varieties. Such a drink stands out with a delicate and light aroma with a delicate aftertaste. It will appeal to beginners who have not yet fully understood all the features of dry wines. This drink is an easy accompaniment to any meal.
Cabernet Sauvignon. It is located among the most popular varieties; considered to be everyone's favorite drink. Often it is mixed with other species. It has a slightly tart aftertaste with refreshing vanilla notes. Suitable for dark meat dishes, goes well with beef.
Syrah, or Shiraz. These are 2 names of 1 variety of berries. The fruits give the drink a deep scarlet tone. The wine has a slight astringency, through which pleasant notes of black currant break through. Pairs well with grilled meats, especially steaks.
Pinot noir. It has a rich and extremely mild aftertaste with low astringency. The aroma is dominated by fruity notes. Pairs well with sushi, salmon, poultry and lamb dishes.
Malbec. A rich variety that develops in the form of a changing flavor that depends on where the crop was harvested. In most cases, this is an airy drink of a juicy dark tone. It is also mixed with other varieties. Perfect with meat, foie gras.
Cahors. The shortest aging period for true Cahors is 36 months. Cahors has a juicy red color and a pronounced, memorable sweet aftertaste. It is served both with meat dishes and sweet snacks.

By type of raw material

To understand what kind of wine is, you need to know that the original drink is obtained if the juice of grape fruits is fermented, although sometimes all kinds of fruits or other types of berries are used as raw materials.

Classification of wines by types of raw materials:

grapes of different types grown for the manufacture of this drink;
fruits of fruit trees: apple, pear, plum, peach and apricot;
ripe juicy cherries, strawberries or blueberries, and sometimes watermelons are also used as raw materials;
raisin;
other plant materials: tree sap, flower petal sap.

Another significant criterion is the types of grapes used for the production of the drink. Category classification:

varietal - a single variety of berries is used;
blended - a combination of several different varieties;
flavored - varieties of wines, which, during the manufacture, put infusions of various aromatic herbs, fruit juices or other natural essences (bitters are especially famous);
- made using the method of evaporating grape juice; among such drinks, Alicante and Frontillan are distinguished.

By sugar and alcohol content

The amount of sugar is the second most important indicator by which you can determine what type of drink it belongs to.

The classification of wines includes 4 main types: table, fortified, flavored and sparkling. Canteens are sold much more often than others, but other types are widely popular with consumers.

Canteens are divided into:

dry;
semi-dry;
semi-sweet.

Fortified wine varieties include:

strong - the amount of sugar is in the range from 30 to 120 g per liter, the alcohol content is from 17 to 20%;
sweet - the total amount of sugar - up to 150 g per liter, alcohol content - from 15 to 20% of the volume;
semi-dessert - the amount of sugar - up to 120 g per l, the alcohol content - from 15 to 17% of the volume;
dessert - contain sugar in the amount of 200 g per liter, alcohol content - from 15 to 18% of the total volume;
liqueur - the sugar content in wine is in the range from 210 to 300 g per liter, the proportion of alcohol is from 12 to 16%.

According to the content of tartaric acid and carbon dioxide

high level;
average level;
low level.

Certain types of wines and their classification form drinks that contain carbon dioxide. They are divided according to the manufacturing method:

sparkling - containing natural carbon dioxide, which appears during the fermentation of sugars; the process is carried out either with natural fermentation or with the addition of yeast;
sparkling - those in which carbon dioxide is added at the final stages of manufacture.

The viscosity and juiciness of taste depend on tartaric acid. As a result of the ripening of grapes, the amount of acid in the berry decreases, and the volume of sugars increases. The stronger the sun illuminates the fruit, and the higher the ambient temperature, the less acid is contained in the grapes.

Quality and maturity

The classification of wines according to the aging period consists of 3 groups: ordinary, collection and vintage.

Ordinary. Made from many grape varieties. They are aged for several months in large barrels. In finished form, the drink is poured into bottles and sent for sale. Often, only 1 variety of berries is needed to make wine. Some people think that the ordinary look is not good enough, but this is not at all the case. When the drink is aged for less than 12 months, it is classified as young. When stored in barrels for at least 1 year, the drink is called aged.
Vintage. These types of wines are considered to be of particularly high quality. They require a grape variety specially designed for their production, which is grown in a single place. Such drinks are distinguished by unique taste properties that do not change for a long time. They are aged for at least 2 years, and if the drink is particularly strong, then the exposure is more than 3 years.
Collectible. The exposure time reaches several decades and even centuries. Considering the opinion of some professionals, we can conclude that a drink aged for more than 70 years loses its taste. But other experts argue otherwise.

The universe of wine is huge, because There are thousands of different types, but if you wish, you can figure out which drink is suitable for a particular table.