It’s no secret that wine comes in many colors, but white wine gets all the glory because of its wide variety of flavor profiles and uses. If you’re wondering why everyone loves white wine so much, look no further than this quick primer on the must-know facts about white wine. From its origins to how it tastes and how it pairs with food, here are 10 facts about white wine that you probably didn’t know!
Fact 1 – The origin of white wine
White wine is believed to have originated in the Middle East and was then brought to Europe by the Phoenicians. The first recorded mention of white wine was in the Linear B tablets, which were used by the ancient Mycenaean Greeks.
Fact 2 – When was it invented?
The first recorded use of white wine was in the early 9th century, in the Byzantine Empire. It wasn’t until much later, around the 17th century, that white wine became more popular in Europe. Today, white wine is produced all over the world and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
Fact 3 – The history of sparkling wines
Did you know that the first sparkling wine was made in 1531? That’s right – over 500 years ago! And it was made in the Champagne region of France. Since then, the production of sparkling wine has come a long way. Today, there are many different types of sparkling wines available from all over the world.
Fact 4 – Types of wines
There are four main types of white wine: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. Chardonnay is the most popular type of white wine in the world. Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing, crisp wine that is often used in making sparkling wines. Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied wine with a floral aroma. Riesling is a versatile white wine that can be sweet or dry.
Fact 5 – Has there been any success with red wines aging?
Yes, there have been many success stories with red wines aging. In fact, some of the most popular and expensive red wines are those that have been aged for years. The key to aging red wine is to find the right balance of tannins, acidity, and fruit. If a red wine has too much tannin, it will be astringent and unpleasant to drink. If it doesn’t have enough acidity, the wine will be flat and boring.
Fact 6 – How to preserve a bottle of red wine
If you’re lucky enough to have a bottle of red wine that you want to age and enjoy at its best, there are a few things you need to do to make sure it’s stored correctly. First, find a cool, dark place for it. A wine cellar is ideal, but a closet or cupboard will work as long as it doesn’t get too hot or too cold.
Fact 7 – What does blind tasting mean?
Blind tasting is when a wine is tasted without knowing what it is, in order to judge it purely on its own merits. This is usually done by wrapping the bottle in a bag or cover so that you can’t see the label. The purpose of this is so that the taster isn’t influenced by how they’ve seen the wine before, and instead relies on their taste buds alone.
Fact 8 – Why do people use terms like corked or cork taint?
When a wine is corked, it means that the cork has been contaminated with a chemical called TCA. This chemical can give the wine a musty, moldy smell. If you’ve ever had a wine that smells like wet cardboard or a damp basement, it’s probably corked. Cork taint is one of the most common wine faults, and it’s estimated that about 5% of all wines are affected by it.
Fact 9 – Are all glass wine bottles equally good for aging?
No, not all glass wine bottles are created equal when it comes to aging your wine. The thickness of the glass, the type of closure, and even the color of the glass can all affect how well your wine ages. If you want to age your wine for long periods of time, then a thicker glass is better because it won’t break as easily as a thinner glass will over time. Also, an airtight cork or synthetic corkscrew stopper that is impermeable will help prevent oxygen from coming in contact with the bottle’s contents which would otherwise lead to oxidation and spoilage.
Fact 10 – Is it worth keeping some wines in the fridge when you get them home from the store?
Wine experts say that it is perfectly fine to store white wine in the fridge for a short period of time. In fact, white wine is said to reach its peak flavor after being stored in the fridge for about 24 hours. So, if you’re planning on drinking your white wine within a day or two of buying it, there’s no need to worry about finding a special spot for it in your home.
