From Vine to Wine: The Story Behind Every Bottle By Alexander Pesenti
From Vine to Wine: The Story Behind Every Bottle
By Alexander Pesenti
Every bottle of wine tells its own unique story. Varietal, vintage, and region are a fair introduction to a new wine, but they do not provide the full story. They are merely bookmarks of the grape’s life on the vine, explaining what grapes were used, along with when and where the harvest took place. Indicators such as varietal, vintage, and region may also be identical on any two labels. The wine in these bottles, however, will always vary in character. These distinctions stem from stylistic decisions that are made by the winemakers during the process. The final product is derived from 3 major influences; the grape’s life on the vine, fermentation of the grape juice, and the aging of the wine.
What happens to the grape while it is growing has a notable effect on how the wine will taste once it is bottled. How the vines were pruned, irrigated or protected from pests & disease and how the climate has treated the vines for the implied vintage can affect the final product. Once harvested and pressed, the grape juice is then extracted for fermentation. The method for fermentation will vary based on region, varietal, and winemaker’s decision. Once the flavor is acceptable to the winemaker, the wine will be prepared for bottling. The means of aging or maturing the wine in the bottle will follow. This means a decision is made whether the final product, in bottle, is to be released to market or sent to the cellar to mature. This is a choice that is made based on the readiness of the wine; whether it is intended for immediate consumption or must endure a few years’ time to develop.
These segments throughout the lifespan of a wine, from the vines to the bottle, are what shape the flavors and aromas presented in a glass. Each bottle you open introduces you to new experiences. It gives you a chance to get out of your comfort zone because not every wine will be your favorite. The greater range of styles you are exposed to, the easier it will be to interpret where your preference lies. Residing in this sunny Southern California peninsula, it can be easy to get lost in the world of Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon or Paso Robles zinfandel as we are only a few hours from these regions. These determinate styles may become repetitive when compared to the rest of the world. Though each are fantastic styles of wine, I find it healthy to venture further from these local favorites. Try selecting a bottle with a varietal and region you have never heard of. This allows your palette to travel to new parts of the world, trying various styles of wine represented from many different climates. When tasting, it helps to keep an open mind and allowing the wine to unfold in the glass before you. Rather than gulping the wine up, let it take some time to relax in the glass. Revisiting it later, you will discover a whole new wine from the one you first uncorked.
Alex Presenti
About Alex
Alexander Pesenti is an aspiring sommelier and wine enthusiast. He has lived his whole lives in Palos Verdes. While studying at Cal Poly Pomona for his degree in Agricultural Science, Alex discovered his love for wine. Having recently completed his level 1 sommelier certification, he is working towards furthering his certification. Along with his passion for wine comes the desire to spread awareness of the diversity that wine has to offer.
Here’s the link to my LinkedIn:(https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-pesenti-221216153/)