Wine Production

Is any type of grape suitable for wine-making?

There are some grapes that are much more suitable for eating than for making wine: the table grapes, so to speak. The family of grapes that are used for wine-making are called vitis vinifera.

Are hand-picked grapes better than machine-picked grapes?

Handpicked grapes can be better than machine-picked grapes because the actual individual goes into the vineyard and can assess whether those grapes are ready to be picked or not. A machine will just go in and pick every grape. Of course, in some vineyards, grapes have to be picked by hand because the vineyards are so steep that machines aren't actually able to get up there.

Why does wine get aged in barrels?

Wine gets aged in barrels to give it various flavors, such as vanilla and oaky flavors. And also to give the wine tannins, which will help the wine to age.

What are the best type of barrels to age wine in?

The best oak barrels for ageing wine tend to come from the forests of France or America, and they're the most widely used across the world. The ideal barrel depends on what the winemaker is trying to do to the wine – what flavours he is trying to impart on the finished product.

What type of climate is best for wine production?

There is no good or bad climate to produce a wine. It really just depends on the kind of wine you're trying to produce. There are Mediterranean climates, maritime climates, and also various microclimates within regions and it depends on the kind of wine you're trying to actually produce.