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How we classified wines and which grape varieties are most sought after

You don't have to be a consummate connoisseur of wine to make the best choice, but you can't get over some essential information either. Among them, the classification of wines according to the amount of sugar, acidity and ripening time, as well as some data on the grape varieties that give the best wine.

  1. How wines can be classified
    1. Types of wine by color
    2. Types of wine by degree of ripening of grapes
    3. What are wines of controlled origin
    4. Types of wine according to the amount of sugar contained
    5. Types of wine by ripening
  2. What are the most famous types of wine in the world
    1. The best known wines
    2. Expensive wines of exceptional quality
  3. The main grape varieties, in the country and in the world

How wines can be classified

The criteria that divide wines into categories are not at all few, starting with those at hand (color, taste, smell) and ending with those that make us talk about the nobility of a wine (oldage, rare varieties).
A bottle of wine carries with it, however, also part of the history of the place where it comes from, some vineyards being better known than others, and to verify that we have chosen such a wine, we must follow whether there is on the label the sign DOC (controlled designation of origin) or IG (geographical indication).

Types of wine by color

Wines can be red, white or rosé.

  • Red wines come from grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Shiraz, Malbec. The colour of these wines is taken from the skin of the grape bean and the intensity of the colour is related to the time during which the must has been in contact with it.
  • White wines come from grape varieties such as: Chardonnay, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat Ottonel.
  • Pink wines are produced from red grape varieties. These wines are made from must which remains in contact with the skin of the grape bean, which in fact gives the color of any type of wine.

What is noteworthy is that from the varieties of red grapes can also produce white wine!
This is in the case where the must obtained from red grapes does not remain in contact at all with the skin of the grape bean.

Types of wine according to the degree of quality and ripening of grapes

Depending on the quality and ripening of the grapes, wines may be of table, high quality or wines of controlled origin. We'll discuss each one, so the next time you find yourself in front of the wine shelf, you make the best choice.

  • Table wines – Wines with an alcoholic strength of between 8,5 and 9,5 %, wines intended for current consumption.
  • High quality wines — These wines are those wines which bear the notation VS, IG or VSIG on the label — with an indication of geographical origin and an indication of the grape variety from which they were produced. They have an alcoholic strength of at least 9.5%.
  • Wines of controlled origin – DOC wines of quality I with a strength of not less than 11 % and a sugar content of 190 grams per litre. They can also be wines of controlled origin with quality steps (DOCC).

What are DOC wines?

Wines of controlled origin are always the choice of connoisseurs and perfectly crown a special meal. When you choose such a wine, you will notice that the label contains information on the vineyard, variety and culture. Moreover, wines may bear this reference – DOC – only after approval and hologram obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture, through the National Office of Wine Oigine Names (O.N.D.O.V).

A wine with a controlled designation of origin shall be obtained in demarcated wine-growing areas of varieties recommended for their potential to produce quality wines, respecting a number of specific conditions for vine cultivation and wine processing, bottling and labelling.

Wines of controlled origin with quality steps – DOCC – have a strength of not less than 11,5 % and are divided into:

  • Wines produced from grapes harvested at full maturity – have a sugar content of at least 196 grams per litre and bear the entry DOCC-CMD on the label.
  • Wines produced from grapes harvested late – have a sugar content of at least 220 grams per litre, and on the label we find the DOCC-CT notation.
  • Wines produced from grapes harvested for ennoblement – have a sugar content of at least 240 grams per litre, and grapes are harvested when the grains are lightly stafined and have a 'noble mould'. On the label of these wines we find the mention DOCC-CIB.

Depending on the country of origin of the wine, we can find the wines under other codes. Here are a series of acronyms you might encounter on wine bottles:

  • AOC – Controlled wine of origin produced in France
  • VDQS – Wine from France of a lower quality than AOC, the acronym comes from the phrase "Wine delimited by superior qualite"
  • DOCG – Italian wine of controlled origin but superior to DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)
  • IGT – Italian wine lower doc (Typical geographical indication)
  • DO – Wine from Spain of controlled origin (Denominacion de Origen)
  • DOCa – Wine from Spain of superior controlled origin (Denominacion de Origen Calificada)
  • QbA – High quality wine from Germany (Qualitatswein bestimmter Anbaugebiete), a step similar to the VsSIG from us
  • QmP – High quality wine from Germany (Qualitatswein mit Pradicat), better than QbA.

Types of wine depending on the amount of sugars contained

When we talk about the taste of wine, we refer, first of all, to the amount of residual sugars contained, which leads to such a classification. Residual sugars are the quantities of sugars remaining in the wine after fermentation and the conversion of sugars into alcohol.

  • sec – with sugar content up to 4g/l
  • demisec – with sugar content between 4 and 12g/l
  • semisweet – with sugar content between 12 and 50 g/l
  • sweet – with sugar content of more than 50 g/l

Flavors vary depending on the type of grape, but also the area in which it grew.

Types of wine depending on maturation or ageing time

The maturation of wines is done in large containers (bottles, tanks), but also by aging in glass. Wines can also be appreciated according to the maturation time in oak barrels, called barique. This type of maturation is used especially in red wines and is usually listed on the label of the wine bottle.
It should be said, however, that in the collection of a winecellar there may be old wines of the same vineyard, of very different quality, depending on the characteristics of each year. This is also why only those produced in the best years for grapes are considered as collectible wines, as the ripening or ageing time in the bottle is not a sufficient criterion.

What are the most famous types of wine in the world

Wine is a globally acclaimed drink, with an annual consumption of 240 million hectolitres. There are some extremely well-known wines from Romania to the USA and from Norway to South Africa, the wines that have earned their reputation due to their outstanding aroma. About those wines that are easily recognizable and that you have most likely already tasted, as well as the most expensive wines, we will discuss the following.

The best known wines

In countries such as Australia, New Zealand, the United States or Austria, white wine is rather consumed, while red wine is preferred by the French, Italians and Spaniards. According to the latest ranking by the OIV (International Vine and Wine Organization), the world's largest wine producer is Italy, followed by France, Spain, the United States and Australia.
Here are the most famous types of wine, whether they are produced in these countries or in other parts of the world:

White wines
  • Chardonnay is one of the best known wines in the world. Of French origin, specifically from the burgundy region, the grape variety that produces this wine is also grown in our country, and the drink is an elegant one, recommended alongside fish and seafood dishes.
  • Riesling is an aromatic, fruity wine that originated in Germany, but in our country is better known The Italian Riesling, a rather dry and sober wine.
  • Sauvingnon Blanc is a white wine of French origin, made from grapes of the same name, its slightly fruity and grassy aroma being fresh and pleasant. It can be dry or sweet and is recommended alongside white meat, seafood or salads.
  • Pinot Gris is a white or rose wine whose characteristics differ from region to region, alsace wine (with a floral bouquet and richer texture) not the same as that produced in California (cool and slightly spiced).
  • Chenin Blanc is also a white French wine from the historic Loire Valley region. It has a high level of acidity, which is why we encounter under this name sweet wines, suitable for dessert, but also sparkling.

Red wines

  • Shiraz is a famous Australian red wine with a high content of alcohol, but also antioxidants, but also produced in other countries, including South Africa, Italy, Spain and the United States, where it is known as Syrah.
  • Merlot is perhaps the best known red wine and one of the most affordable. With an intense colour, slightly fruity aroma and rich texture, it is equally suitable alongside steaks or cheeses.
  • Pinot Noir is a dry French wine associated with the Burgundy region, but produced in many other countries, which is distinguished by its pleasant aroma, enriched with berries.
  • Jerez is a highly regarded Spanish wine, as is Malaga, both of which are produced in the Andalusia wine region. Also known as Xeres or Sherry, it belongs to the category of special, fortified wines, and is often found among vintage wines.
  • Taurasi is one of the best known wines in Italy – a dense wine with a fruit-wood aroma, obtained from Aglianico grapes, grown in the Campania region of southern Italy.

Expensive wines of exceptional quality

The most expensive wines are collectors, which come from grape production, from years considered exceptional, but also wines specific to certain geographical areas, internationally recognised for the very strict quality selection criteria. They are usually produced in limited editions. Exceptional wines representative of certain geographical areas include:

  • Chablis – A white French wine, produced in Burgundy, in the commune of Chablis. It has a citric flavour and a high acidity. Chablis is only made from Chardonnay grapes.
  • Medoc – Red wine from France, from the Gironde department, in the north of Bordeaux prefecture. It's made from Carmenere grapes.
  • Pomerol – Red wine from Bordeaux, Gironde, Libournais. It is made from Merlot grapes.
  • Brunello di Montalcino – One of the best known and most appreciated Italian wines. It is produced only from the Sangiovese grape variety, in Tuscany 50 km south of Siena, in Montalcino. It has the status of DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita). It has an intense ruby color and can be consumed about 4 years after harvest.
  • Amarone – The whole name of this wine is Amarone della Valpolicella and is a red, dry, Italian wine produced from Corvina, Rondinella and other approved grape varieties. The strength of The Amarone wine exceeds 15% alcohol, and the wine is usually marketed after five years of maturation.

There are also a few criteria that, once met, increase the price of a bottle of wine. Here are some of these criteria:

  • Wines awarded in international competitions
  • Bordeaux wines with Grand Cru appellation
  • Wines rated with more than 90 Parker points or Decanter points

The most expensive (so far, of course) bottle of wine sold last year at an auction in New Orleans, USA. The wine, a Cabernet Sauvignon produced by The Setting Wines in Alexander Valley cost $350,000.

The main grape varieties, in the country and in the world

Many of the wines listed already bear the same name and take up many of the characteristics of the grape varieties from which they are obtained: Merlot, Pinot Noir, Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay.
This is not always the case, however: for example, the Cortese variety, grown in the Piedmont region of Italy, is at the base of Gavi wine, The Auxerrois grapes are used to produce the famous Malbec wines, and the Spanish Palomino variety is obtained Sherry, which is a fortified wine.
There are more than 30 vineyards in our country, with Romania ranking 9th in the world ranking of the area under vines, according to data from the International Organisation of Vine and Wine, and 6th in the production of grapes and wine, within the European Union.

The most well-known Romanian grape varieties grown in Romania are the following:

  • Feteasca Black is a Romanian variety of black grapes. It is grown all over the country and produces both red and rosé wines. Their taste is reminiscent of that of plums and blackberries.
  • Black of Drăgașani, a variety of black grapes, resulting from the hybridization of the varieties Black age, old Romanian variety, with Saperavi. From this variety is obtained a red wine with an intense colour and notes of bitter cherries and berries.
  • Feteasca Regala is a Romanian variety of white grapes identified at the beginning of the 20th century and widely spread today. Grapes have a juicy pulp and a pleasant and discreet aroma, which can also be found in wine (dry or demisec) of the same name.
  • Feteasca Alba is one of the most valuable and oldest Romanian varieties, from which dry or demise wines with a balanced alcohol content are obtained.
  • Fat Cotnari is another traditional Romanian variety, cultivated on the territory of our country for several centuries. Grapes are usually harvested late, obtaining a sweet wine, suitable for dessert.
  • Romanian Tâmâmăioasa is one of the oldest and most aromatic grape varieties grown on the territory of our country, from which a white, sweet wine is obtained. The variety is found in the vineyards of Cotnari, Huşi, Dealu Mare and Murfatlar.

Among the international varieties, the most cultivated include:

  • Sauvignon Blanc is grown especially in France, where it has its origin. It is a light, white variety with a grassy aroma and is currently also grown in our country.
  • Muscat Ottonel is a variety of white grapes of French origin, first grown in Angers, France, but is now grown extensively in Romania. It is the result of the hybridisation between muscat de Saumur and Chasselas Doré varieties.
  • Italian riesling is grown in a large number of wine-growing centres in Romania to produce superior wines, which can be dry, demi-sedors or demi-sweet, but can also be used in the production of sparkling wine over large areas. Wines obtained from these grapes have a sweet, special flavour and can be preserved for ageing.
  • Chardonnay is a variety of white grapes of French origin, but which has become very famous and therefore grown throughout the world. In 2010, Chardonnay ranked fifth in the world's most cultivated variety hierarchy.
  • Merlot, a variety of black grapes, first grown in France, is now grown almost everywhere in the world. Merlot grapes are usually made of dry wines, with a strength of between 12-12.5%.
  • Cabernet Sauvignon also comes from France, from Bordeaux, more precisely, but it is now also cultivated in Romania. Wines of this grape variety have a ruby colour and a special vigour.
  • Pinot Noir comes from Burgundy, but is now cultivated in almost all parts of the world, from Australia to Switzerland. The intense black variety ranks 10th among the most cultivated grape varieties in the world.
Wine is a unique, living drink in a continuous transformation, and the recognition of a quality wine is a true art, which few people fully master. Amateurs or professionals, however, unite us all with our love for Bachus's potion.
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