A-Z of Wines

Welcome to the A to Z of wine knowledge from Wine2laydown. We aim to bring you information and top tips on the hot topics surrounding wine. New sections will be added during 2010.

Starting with A, which is for Anti-Oxidants......

Red wine (in moderation) contains Antioxidants, which boost the immune system and can help prevent cancer, heart disease and many other forms of major illness. They also slow down the effects of two other A's - such as Ageing and can fend off conditions like Alzheimer's. So why red for Antioxidants rather than white? Well, one of the most studied antioxidants in red wines is resveratrol, a compound found in the seeds and skins of grapes. Red wine has a high concentration of resveratrol because the skins and seeds ferment in the grapes' juices during the red wine making process. This prolonged contact during fermentation produces significant levels of resveratrol in the finished red wine. White wine does contain resveratrol, but the seeds and skins have minimal contact thus reducing the concentration of the compound in the finished white wine.

A is also for Acidity. So what do all these wine buffs mean when they start slurping, bibbling and making comments about a wine's Acidity? Well, in wine tasting , the term Acidity refers to the fresh, tart and sour attributes of the wine which are evaluated in relation to how well the Acidity balances out the sweet and bitter components of the wine. Wine growers strive to gain a perfect interaction and harmony of Acid, fruit, tannin and alcohol and that is what makes a great wine. And you thought that winemakers had a easy life? Some wines have higher acidity levels (e.g. Sauvignon de Touraine)

A is also for Ageing. Which wines are the best to lay down to Age and why? Generally the suitability of whether a wine will age is a function of the grape, the region, the vintage and the way that the wine is made. Thick skinned grapes, bursting with tannin such as the Nebbiolo grape used to make Barolo make long ageing wines. Certain regions have what are known as 'Terroir' that create wines that are suitable for ageing in certain years. For example, the wind, rain, sun and temperature in 2005 in Bordeaux created wines that are perfect for long term ageing. However, some 2007 Bordeaux wines are perfect for drinking now. Some producers of Vintage Ports make wines that will age for 30 years. Such wines make popular Christening presents, Birth presents, Anniversary gifts or simply a great gift for a wine lover. Try this if you want wine to lay down.

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