When laying a festive table for guests, you want to decorate it with fine wine with a delicate, refined aroma. The host of the feast invariably faces the question: how to choose a wine worthy of dear guests? To answer, you must have at least a minimum of knowledge about the classification of wines, their properties, characteristics, compatibility with certain dishes.
The main thing is to follow the rule when setting the table: less is better, but of higher quality.
The entire range of wines is divided into two large parts:
- still wines "table and fortified";
- saturated with carbon dioxide "and sparkling".
Calm wine according to the degree of exposure is:
- young;
- vintage;
- collectible.
Young wine is sold in the distribution network immediately after maturation. It has a weak strength and aroma of a bouquet belonging to the grape variety. Young wine has many fans among people of different age categories.
For vintage wine grown special varieties of grapes. The brand of wine depends on the time of maturation of the wine. According to the existing standards of winemaking for wine of this category, aging is required in the range from one to six years. Vintage wines stored for more than 6 years are considered collectible.
Table wines are made from natural juice obtained after pressing grapes.
The production of table wine completely eliminates the addition of alcohol. The amount of sugar in the wine of this variety is different: from complete absence to a certain percentage. The sugar in table wine is the product of an incomplete fermentation stopped at a certain stage.
The quantitative residue of sugar in table wine serves as the basis for dividing this variety into the following types:
- Dry;
- Semi-dry;
- Semi-sweet.
The color of the wine is determined by the variety of grape raw materials used for its production. Distinguish between white wine and red wine.
Dry white wine is characterized by a small strength of about 11% vol. Light sourness, pleasant, mild taste goes well with fish dishes, cold appetizers, fruits and cheese.
Dry red wine has shades from pink to rich cherry color, tart taste with a bouquet of grapes ripened in the area where the drink is produced. Compared to white, red wine has less acidity and more strength. Dry red wine is served with hot fried or baked meat.
Semi-sweet and semi-dry wines are obtained by incomplete fermentation of dry wines, leaving a certain amount of grape sugar. These drinks are friendly with meat, fish, vegetable dishes. They have a short shelf life in uncorked containers.
Fortified wines are made by fermenting grape must. The fermentation process is stopped and stabilized by the addition of alcohol. Wine contains residual sugar, the percentage of which depends on the stage of stoppage of fermentation. Alcohol additives increase the shelf life of fortified wine. The name of the wine is associated with an increased strength from 17 to 20% vol.
Fortified wine is usually consumed before dinner in small portions, sweet wines can be served as a dessert.
Famous representatives of strong wines: Madeira, port wine, sherry. Pairs well with hot first courses.
A large group consists of dessert wines: Muscat, Cahors, Tokay. Used in the dessert part of the meal. The sweetest of this group are liqueurs.
Champagne wine is obtained by secondary fermentation with saturation with carbon dioxide and storage in bottles under pressure. Champagne is the wine of holidays and celebrations. It is served in tall transparent wine glasses to highlight the beauty of color and the play of gas bubbles. The wine seems to be playing. It has a light, pleasant taste; when poured, it forms a lush, beautiful foam. The taste of any wine varies significantly with the serving temperature. For red table and strong wines, the best temperature will be 16-18 degrees, The delicate taste of dry white wines will be emphasized by cooling to 12 degrees, champagne will sparkle at 10 degrees.
The gaze of many scientists and researchers is riveted to wine. From a scientific point of view, its beneficial properties and impact on human life and health are being studied. There is a heated debate about which wine is healthier: white or red? Wine, in fact, is a complex organic substance resulting from the fermentation of grape juice. The composition of this ancient drink, in addition to water, includes a huge amount of chemicals and elements: ethyl alcohol, grape and fruit sugar, vegetable glycosides "anthocyanins", useful acids, tannins, vitamins and trace elements.
The only thing that all researchers agree on is that wine has a healing effect on the body only with moderate consumption. If you consume no more than 100 grams of red wine daily, a positive trend is observed in a person’s condition: blood pressure decreases, toxins are removed from the body, blood vessels are cleansed, and the risk of developing diseases such as heart attack, stroke, and atherosclerosis is reduced. Recently, opinions have been expressed that red and white wine are practically equivalent in terms of usefulness.
Red wine owes its color to grape varieties with dark skins and hearts. The composition of wine includes such useful coloring substances as anthocyanins. They give the wine a noble color, rich taste and delicate aroma. Red wine has a relaxing effect.
Many health institutions practice the use of moderate doses of red wine in the treatment of diseases of the respiratory system and cardiac pathology, relieving depression.
There is an opinion that red wine protects against the effects of radiation and solar radiation.
Which red wine to choose
Which red wine to choose: dry, semi-dry, semi-sweet, fortified?
The listed varieties differ primarily in the content of sugar and alcohol. Dry red wine of a full fermentation cycle contains almost no sugar "0.3%", and alcohol is a product of natural grape fermentation. In semi-dry and semi-sweet wines, residual sugar is present due to the interruption of the fermentation process. Preservatives are added to these wines to extend the shelf life, which does not make them 100% healthy.
Fortified wine contains rectified alcohol, has a high strength, it is recommended to use it in limited quantities.
Dessert varieties of red wine or liqueurs are preferable to semi-dry and semi-sweet, so special chemical methods are not used for their preservation. Conventional wisdom dictates that dry red wine is the healthiest and most natural.
Now about the age of red wine and its usefulness in this regard. It has been established that the age of the wine does not affect its healing properties, but only changes its taste characteristics. According to the content of vitamins and nutrients, young, unaged wines are more useful than aged vintage ones.
Dry wines that do not contain sugar are much healthier than semi-sweet and dessert varieties.
Foreign producers of red wine
Dry red wine, which one to choose from imported varieties?
Wines from different countries are made from many local grape varieties. On the shelves of shopping centers in Russia there are a lot of wines from France with a wide range of prices from cheap to expensive.
The Russian buyer is mainly in demand for inexpensive varieties of dry red wine.
France is a leader in the production of wine, but low-quality drinks come across among its products. Therefore, when choosing a French wine, you should carefully study the information on the bottle: there should be information about the manufacturer, harvest date, year of release of the wine. The most famous French red wine varieties are Burgundy, Bordeaux, Rhone.
Italy ranks first in the export of wine. Sunny, warm weather allows you to grow grapes all year round. Red wines from the Tuscany wine region, made from the Italian Sangiovese grape variety, have earned worldwide fame. The most popular dry red wines are Chianti Classico, Super Tuscan, Brunello di Montalcino. Chianti is a wine aged no more than 2 years, if the exposure exceeds this value, the wine is called Riserva, it is several times more expensive.
The label will again help in choosing a quality Spanish wine. Wine of different aging has identifying inscriptions:
- cheap canteen;
- local, improved quality;
- vintage;
- elite.
A suitable Spanish wine for a juicy meat steak is the classic Rioja with a fruity bouquet and bright taste.
When choosing imported red dry wine, one should be guided by the principle that the hotter the climate in the country of origin, the tastier the wine. Therefore, wines from Argentina, Chile and other countries of the New World are so popular with us. Drinks from these countries have exotic flavors due to the use of original local grape varieties: shiraz, grenache, zinfandel, malbec. Famous grape varieties grow here: Cabernet and Merlot. The use of cheap labor, sunny climate, rich soils, high yields make the prices of wine from these countries affordable for the entire population.
A collection of traditional Georgian red wines will be a wonderful decoration for any feast. The first toast is said with glasses filled with the precious moisture of the Georgian semi-sweet wine Khvanchkara. Vegetable appetizers accompany Georgian red dry wines Saperavi or Mukuzani, smoothly moving on to the main meat dish - shish kebab. Semi-sweet red wines based on the Kindzmarauli or Akhasheni saperavi varieties are also perfect for dishes cooked on an open fire.
In recent years, high-quality Abkhazian wines have become a pleasant addition to the Russian market.
Several large wineries operate on the territory of Abkhazia, producing relatively inexpensive red wine, which has a wonderful taste and bouquet.
Many private wineries are opening, where wine is made according to their own original or old recipes. Wines from private wineries with a richer taste, but also a higher price. The most popular brands are Lykhna, Bouquet of Abkhazia, Chegem, Amra, Apsny.
After choosing a brand, variety and winemaker, it's time to check the originality of the wine and protect yourself from fake. All world wine producers strive to adhere to the rule of three colors in the design of labels. Therefore, stay away from multi-colored pieces of paper.
Honest winemakers always indicate the name of the manufacturer and its location.
An important sign of quality wine is the indication of the year of harvest. Quality wine should not have sediment. An important compass is the cork of the bottle, its top should be at the level of the top of the neck and it should sit very firmly, keeping the wine fresh. Nowadays, some winemakers are replacing corks with metal screw caps, simplifying the way bottles are opened.
For the production of dry red wine, grape varieties Merlot, Cabernet, Negrette, Aglianico, Sauvignon and others are used. There are thousands of varieties of red wine in the world. The best of them are Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Pinot Noir.
Intense, bright color of the wine can only be obtained from good grapes. Scarlet, burgundy, ruby, purple, or dark cherry hues indicate the youth of a dry wine. High-quality red wine is packed in massive individually shaped bottles in dark shades of green or brown. When serving wine, it is better to be guided by the principle: the richer, fatter, heavier the dish, the lighter the wine served.
Gastronomic pairings of red wine
There are countless gourmets in the world who experience boundless love for good dry red wine. In Italy, France, Georgia, wine is a traditional national drink, an essential attribute of lunches and dinners for all segments of the population.
Examples of combinations of dry red wine with food:
- Tuscan dry wine is perfect for cheese, lasagna, spaghetti.
- Semi-sweet Georgian "Kindzmarauli", Latin American "Kaiken Terroir Series" will make friends with barbecue, fried meat: lamb, beef.
- The sweet taste of baked vegetables will emphasize the French "Le Cornu"
- The taste of the dessert will be enhanced by Burgundy Beaujolais Nouveau
The best red dry wines
Château Fonceche is a French wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grape varieties with a bright aroma of ripe fruits and meadow flowers. Alcohol is 10 vol.
Serving temperature for meat dishes is about 18 degrees. Glasses with a ruby-colored drink will become the main decoration of the table.
Chianti is an old Italian dry wine. Strictly red grape varieties are used in its production. Great with Italian food.
Bararesco is another popular dry red wine from Italy. Grapes grown in the highlands give this drink a delicate tart taste and a complex aroma of spices, fruits and flowers.
Saperavi is a Georgian variety of dry red wine made from grapes of the same name.
The strength of the drink is not more than 11 vol. The wine is distinguished by maroon color and velvety taste Mukuzani - Georgian wine made from Saperavi grapes, languishing for three years in oak containers. Recognized by its beautiful red color, taste with the aroma of berries and oak bark.
It goes well with hot meat and vegetable delicacies.
The best Russian red wines of 2016 are:
- "Phantom" "Cabernet Sauvignon" winery Vedernikov, JSC Millerovsky winery;
- Lefkadia "Reserve" LLC "Lefkadia", Krasnodar Territory;
- Saperevi. Chateau Taman. Reserve JSC Kuban-Vino, Krasnodar Territory and others
Semi-sweet red wines are classified as table wines, with a strength of 9-14%, with a sufficient sugar content in the finished product.
Red semi-sweet wine, which one to choose?
The best red semi-sweet wines are produced by Georgia. Recipes tested for centuries, ideal weather conditions for the ripening of sweet varieties of grapes contribute to the creation of divine drinks: Khvanchkara, Alazani Valley, Kindzmarauli, Akhasheni.
Khvanchkara is the most famous semi-sweet wine. The raw material is the berries of the Mujuretuli and Aleksandrouli varieties, grown in the vineyards of the Racha area.
A feature of the dark red drink is a great taste with floral and fruity notes.
Alazani Valley is a semi-sweet wine of red grapes grown in Western and Eastern Georgia.
A great addition to Georgian cheeses and sweet dishes. Cooling wine enhances its flavor nuances. It has a pleasant taste and delicate bouquet.
Akhasheni is a semi-sweet drink made from the famous saperavi grape variety grown in the mountainous Kakheti region. The velvety black cherry color is combined with a moderately tart taste.
Kindzmarauli is a famous semi-sweet red made from Saperavi grapes. Bordeaux color, dark pomegranate, pleasant taste and wonderful bouquet.
Summing up, we can say that when choosing wine, preference should be given to dry red wine made on the basis of dark red grape varieties. This type of drink occupies a significant niche in the assortment of vintage and single wines. Moderate regular consumption of dry red wine will help improve health, maintain vitality at the proper level, and cheer up. The main thing in achieving a healing and therapeutic effect is regular consumption in small doses. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol dependence. As the French say, wine cures everything except alcoholism.
Red wine can be beneficial to health - if it is dry and consumed in moderation. Do you know the difference between dry and sweet wine?
- Before grape juice becomes wine, it contains natural sugar. Without sugar, juice cannot become wine, because sugar turns into alcohol during the fermentation process. A wine is considered sweet when it contains a certain amount of residual sugar.
- This is the amount of sugar left in the wine, and there is a line that distinguishes dry wine from semi-sweet and sweet.
- Wine with less than 10 gr. residual sugar per liter is considered dry, and with more than 35 gr. sugar per liter is considered sweet.
This area in between (11 to 34 grams per liter or approximately 0.5 to 2 grams per glass) is called semi-sweet.
The sweeter the red wine, the lower the content of resveratrol and other flavonoids, so semi-sweet and dry red wines are healthier than sweet ones.
Red wine:
- Protects memory from Alzheimer's disease. Powerful antioxidant resveratrol protects against cellular damage and prevents age-related mental decline.
- Promotes long life: Those who drink dry or semi-sweet red wine in moderation have a 34% lower mortality rate compared to drinkers of beer or vodka. This wine is due to resveratrol. Source: Finnish study of 2468 men over 29, published in Journals of Gerontology 2007. However, researchers believe that any diet rich in polyphenols, which protect the body from the development of chronic diseases, can prolong life.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. The antioxidant procyanidins found in red wine protect against heart disease. Resveratrol also helps remove the chemicals responsible for blood clots, which are the main cause of coronary disease. A daily dose of red wine reduces the risk of blood clots by 50%. But you should not forget about playing sports, the benefits of running for the body are no less than from a glass of red wine.
- Reduces the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Red wine interferes with the development of smooth muscle cells, which, when they "multiply", contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, according to Kelly O'Connor, an associate at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore. Dry and semi-sweet red wine is most beneficial for the stomach and liver at lunchtime. It is believed that the beneficial ingredients in wine may counteract the effects of fatty foods, possibly delaying or reducing their absorption into the body.
- Useful for anemia (anemia), as red grape wine contains a lot of iron.
Before considering red wine consumption for health, it is important to consult your doctor. Moderate daily wine consumption for healthy people is two drinks a day for men and one a day for women. One drink - 44 ml.
What red wines are good for health:
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- Cabernet Sauvignon
A University of California study found that of all red wine varieties, Cabernet has the highest levels of flavonoids.
- Pinot noir
Dry red wines are made from this grape variety, typically with cherry flavors but may also include hints of cinnamon, mint, green tea or vanilla. The grapes from which they are made are thick-skinned, and the moderately cool climate in which they are grown contributes to high levels of resveratrol. Like Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir is high in flavonoids.
Syrah
An ancient variety of red wine, whose birthplace is France. It is currently produced in other countries such as Australia, South Africa, Italy and the United States. The aroma of Syrah (or Shiraz) is dry, heavy and pungent. Grapes of this variety are used for the production of dry and sweet fortified wines.
Dry wine: its benefits and harms
Here are three important health benefits of dry wine:
Those who drink wine are 43% less likely to develop cataracts than those who drink, mostly beer. Source: Nature 2003 study of 1379 people in Iceland.
- Reduces the risk of colon cancer
Evidence: Moderate wine consumption reduces the risk of colon cancer by 45%. Source: Stony Brook University study of 2291 subjects over four years published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology 2005.
Harm from dry wine
After learning about the benefits of dry red wine, do not rush to the store for a bottle. In all studies, the keywords are "moderate consumption".
If you neglect this, then instead of the expected improvement in well-being, you can “earn” the following problems:
- sleep deficit
Have you ever felt sleepy while drinking wine? This is because alcohol is not digested, but travels directly through the lining of the stomach and the walls of the small intestine into the bloodstream. After that, it passes into every cell of the body, affecting cellular activity. But this feeling of drowsiness is short-lived, and more than one drink before bed can lead to more restless sleep.
- Obesity
One glass of dry wine contains an average of about 100 calories. Thus, half a bottle of wine every day for a week adds up to 1750 calories to the body.
- Heart diseases
Too much alcohol is a sure way to high blood pressure. The result can be heart failure or a stroke. For those who are really interested in a healthy heart, it is better to focus on the right diet and not wine.
- Risk to male fertility
While the potential harmful effects of alcohol during pregnancy, such as birth defects in the fetus or the birth of a premature baby, are well known, the effects of wine on men are less well known. Excessive consumption of red or white wine can lead to lower testosterone levels, slower sperm motility and worse erectile function. Even the benefits of pistachios for men and other fertility-enhancing foods won't outweigh the negative effects of excessive wine consumption.
Is red wine good for physical and mental health: research results
For thousands of years, people have used wine to relax after a long day, to gain courage for an important conversation, to improve their mood, or simply to enjoy the taste of a noble drink. But recently, there has been a lot of research on whether red wine is healthy. We present the results of some of them.
Reducing the risk of depression
- A team from several universities in Spain (their work is published in the journal BMC Medicine) found that red wine can reduce the risk of depression.
- The researchers collected data on 2,683 men and 2,822 women aged 55 to 80 over a seven-year period. Study participants had to fill out a questionnaire about how often they ate and the list included information about their alcohol consumption as well as their mental health.
- Scientists found that men and women who drank two to seven glasses of wine a week were less likely to be diagnosed with depression.
- Even with lifestyle factors that could influence the results of the study, it is clear that red wine can significantly reduce the risk of depression.
Reducing brain damage after a stroke
Protection against prostate cancer
- A study published in the June 2007 issue of Harvard Men's Health Watch reported that men who drink red wine moderately have a 52% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who never drink red wine. Scientists have defined moderate drinking as 4-7 glasses of red wine per week.
- Is red wine healthy in smaller amounts? Yes, even one glass a week reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer by 6%, the authors of the study reported.
Increasing omega-3 fatty acids
- The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, looked at 1,604 adults from London, Abruzzo and Limburg. All of them underwent a medical examination with the participation of a general practitioner, and also completed an annual questionnaire, which included detailed information on dietary and drinking habits.
- It turned out that people who regularly and in small quantities consumed red wine had higher blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which the body usually receives with fish. These acids are known to protect against coronary heart disease.
- Scientists have found that drinking wine acts as a trigger, increasing the levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the body.
The ability to understand alcoholic beverages, to distinguish them by taste and appearance in the modern world is equated to a whole art. “What is the difference between dry wine and semi-dry wine?” - this is a simple question for a wine connoisseur, because some are able to smell the conditions in which the grapes ripened. Let's try to understand such subtleties, as this will allow us to more accurately determine the choice of wines and, perhaps, even find something new for ourselves.
What is dry wine
So, what is the difference between dry wine and regular wine? This alcoholic drink is obtained by complete fermentation of freshly squeezed and unclarified grape juice. The percentage of sugar in it is the smallest, no more than 0.3-1%. Its strength should be no more than 11%, so if more turns are written on the label when choosing dry wine, then you should think about what kind of drink it is.
It should also be noted that the classification of alcohol in different countries may be slightly different, but there is one main similarity.
For example, dry table wine may not have the year of its birth on the label, and the grape and the area where it was made may not be indicated.
However, if this is a vintage or collection wine, then these data should be on the label.
Table dry wine differs from other types of dry wines in that it is usually consumed during meals, since a small amount of sugar stimulates the appetite. Also, this type of alcohol is the most beneficial for the human body.
Another type of this type of wine is brut, which differs from dry wine only in the presence of bubbles, as it belongs to sparkling wines. The latter can also be both sweet and with a minimum amount of sugar, i.e. dry. It is them that connoisseurs of the whole world prefer, since only brut reveals the whole gamut of taste and aroma of a fizzy drink.
Wine quality can be:
- young (single) - it is most sold in the world, it is considered a budget option, since the production time is no more than a year or two, depending on its type;
- vintage - alcohol is aged in bottles for at least three years;
- collectible and old - such bottles can only be found in enotecas.
This classification is suitable for both dry wines and others - dessert, fortified, etc.
Grapes used for production
- Merlot, Cabernet, Lambrusco, Cabernet, Aglianico, Negrette, Sauvignon - for red wines;
- Muscat, Verchana, Chardonnay, Riesling, Tokay, Greco - for white wines.
Popular and best types of alcohol
- The best Riesling drinks are produced in Germany and Austria - Egon Muller, Von Kesselstatt, Fritz Haag.
- Dry white wines from Gewurztraimner - Trimbach, Mann (German), Maso Furli, Tramin Termeno (Italy).
- The most popular wine in the French province of Bordeaux is Cabernet Sauvignon, Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux, etc.
- Georgian alcoholic drinks - Saperavi, Mukuzani, Kvareli.
- Crimean alcoholic drinks - Oreanda, South Coast Saperavi.
The main difference between dry wine and semi-dry wine is the presence of more sugar in the composition. It is 5-30 g/l in liquid, and the strength of such wine ranges from 9 to 13%.
The method of preparing semi-dry wine is the same as that of dry wine, only the fermentation process is artificially interrupted at a certain stage. This is done either by heating the wort or by cooling it. It should be noted that some semi-dry varieties serve as the initial raw material for the production of blends of semi-sweet wines, since they have a very similar manufacturing technology.
Production technology
- Bathing method.
- Classical.
The main thing in the production of semi-dry wines is their biological stabilization, since a slight presence of sugar in the composition can continue fermentation already in the bottle, which, of course, will spoil the aromatic drink.
Popular and best varieties
- Chianti;
- Merlot;
- Aligote;
- Cabernet Sauvignon;
- Fetyaska;
- Monastery hut.
The production of semi-sweet wine is the same as that of semi-dry (incomplete fermentation, stopping, stabilization). And here is a significant difference between semi-sweet and dry and semi-dry wine in more sugar. Usually it in wine is from 30 to 80 g/l. There is as much alcohol in semi-sweet as in semi-dry.
Another difference between dry and semi-sweet wines is that grapes for production are necessarily taken sweet (usually several varieties are used), containing a small part of nitrogenous substances.
Popular varieties
- Khvanchkara;
- Savannah;
- Cahors;
- Muscat;
- Kindzmarauli;
- Ojaleshi.
Classification of sweet wines
The difference between dry wine and sweet wine is a much higher percentage of sugar in its composition. To achieve this, manufacturers use the following collection methods:
- the grape harvest is harvested very late;
- dry grapes;
- use bunches of grapes, which are covered with a special mold;
- grapes are harvested after frost has set in.
Depending on the chosen method, a certain technology for making wine, the duration of its aging and fermentation is selected.
Existing species
- Table sweets (in the composition of at least 45 g / l of sugar, and alcohol 9-15%).
- Strong (in the composition of 30-120 g / l of sugar, alcohol - 17-21%).
- Fortified sweet (sugar in such wines up to 150 g / l, and alcohol - 14-20%).
- Dessert (in the composition of sugar 160-200 g/l, alcohol 15-17%).
- Liquor (sugar - 210-300 g / l, alcohol - 12-16%).
It should be noted the difference between a strong and fortified type of alcoholic beverage. Grape brandy is added to the latest technology, which significantly increases the level of alcohol in the finished product. This method allows you to stop fermentation, which was used by winemakers in the old days.
Modern methods of making the drink of the gods stop fermentation by lowering the temperature, but over the years of winemaking, for some types of wines, brandy has become an indispensable ingredient in the composition. For example, it is always added to port wine, sherry, Malaga, Madeira. Bottles with such contents are stored for quite a long time, and some drinks can easily age right in the bottle, revealing their taste and aroma.
If we talk about strong wines, then not all of them are with the addition of alcohol, some of them get a high level of alcohol after fermentation in a natural way. For this, very sweet raisined grapes are used. Thus, the difference between dry wine and fortified wine is that no alcoholic additives are added to the first, and there is also a small amount of sugar in it.
The sweetest drinks are, of course, dessert drinks. If dry ones are usually served with meals, then dessert ones are served after a meal, with sweet dishes (but they should not be sweeter than the drink itself). It is even better to drink it without any food, because such alcohol is enjoyed, enjoying its taste and aroma.
It should be noted that in the international classification of wines there is no such thing as dessert wine. They belong to the group of liqueurs and it is under this name that they are made by leading wine producers. A good sweet wine does not have a cloying taste, it is harmonious and noble.
So, now you know how dry wine differs from semi-dry wine, what is the difference between sweet wines, as well as the features and difficulties in making “half wines”. Such information is very useful for choosing a quality alcoholic drink that will be pleasant to drink in the company of relatives and friends.
Wine is an alcoholic beverage with varying degrees of strength. Winemaking originated many millennia ago and is actively developing to this day. Initially, wine was produced in small quantities and was intended for noble people. At the moment, there is no such state where vineyards are not grown and wines of various varieties are not produced.
There are two categories of wines:
- Vintage. Wines that belong to a certain geographical area of origin have a history and their own production methods.
- Canteens. There is no history, no territory of origin, no definite modes of production. As a rule - low cost and quality of the drink.
According to the raw materials used, they are divided into:
- Grape.
- Fruit.
- Berry.
- Vegetable.
- Raisins.
- Multisorted.
According to the time of fermentation and the type of raw materials from which the wines are made, they are divided into:
- White.
- Red.
- Pink.
- Dry.
- Semi-dry.
- Semi-sweet.
- Sweet.
- Dessert.
- Liquor.
To understand the difference between this or that wine, it is necessary to clarify the methods of their production, as well as the grape variety that served as the raw material for the future drink. The article will give two examples and discuss each of them in detail. So, semi-dry and semi-sweet wines.
Semi-dry and semi-sweet wines are classified as table wines.
For the production of this wine, red, white or pink grape varieties are used, the percentage of sugar in which is 20-22.
The juice is partially fermented without adding alcohol. When reaching 1 - 2.5 percent sugar, fermentation is suspended. Then the temperature of the semi-finished product is lowered to 4 - 5 degrees and left to ripen in large containers that do not transmit light. During maturation, all the nutritious, aromatic and tannins from the still raw materials must pass into the finished wine. As a rule, the time of wine maturation is thirty days. Moreover, the strength of alcohol does not increase during maturation and remains at the same level: from 9 to 11 percent. 
It should be clarified that with natural fermentation, it is impossible to obtain more than 11 percent of the strength of the wine. Therefore, this drink is drunk not for the purpose of intoxication, but for the sake of pleasure.
For the production of this wine, white, pink and red grape varieties with a sugar percentage of at least 20 are also used. As a rule, varieties with such sugar content ripen late - in October. The production process of semi-sweet wines is quite laborious, it is very important to stop the fermentation in time to obtain the required levels of alcohol and sugar. 
In order to stop fermentation, the temperature of the material is lowered to 0 degrees, or raised to 70 degrees. After that, carbon dioxide is introduced into it, with the help of which the yeast component is separated from the fermenting wort. After that, the drink is filtered, and then it is left for clarification in natural conditions.
Semi-sweet wine is stored in sterile glass bottles. So, the two types of wines considered have their similarities. Both semi-dry and semi-sweet are obtained with the help of a timely stopped fermentation process. For their production, grapes with a sugar content of at least 20 percent are used. These wines are not suitable for long storage. They fit perfectly into family feasts and are drunk for pleasure.
The difference between semi-dry wine and semi-sweet
There are not so many differences between semi-sweet and semi-dry wines:
- If we take the percentage of sugar and alcohol: the strength of the wines is the same, but there is more sugar in semi-sweet wine. If the semi-dry sugar content is 30 g per liter, then in semi-sweet it is from 50 to 80 g per liter.
- There are also many similarities in production technology, but it should be clarified that semi-sweet wines are the most capricious, and the process of their preparation is quite laborious.
- Well, the taste - semi-dry wine is sour, and semi-sweet is characterized by high sugar content, and there is also a taste of carbon dioxide dissolved in wine - it gives out a characteristic tingling on the tongue.
- Yes, and semi-dry wines are usually served as an aperitif. They promote appetite.
Now that the details of the production of popular types of wine are known, it remains only to wish to carefully read the labels and consume the drink in reasonable quantities, without denigrating it with banal drunkenness.
Wines today are divided into dry and semi-dry, sweet and semi-sweet - this is a well-known fact. At the same time, few people understand what dry wine is, it is far from being a powder. You should not take this word in its direct meaning, the essence is completely different (see also:).
The expression "dry" wine implies that the sugar in it is removed almost completely, "dry", hence the name of the drink. The content of this ingredient in it no more than 1%. How can this be achieved?
Sugar disappears during its fermentation. It is thanks to this unique composition that dry wines have always been considered the most natural and the best. By the way, they have a minimum calorie content - per 100 g of product 60-85 g calories, so even those who are on a diet can safely drink it.
How is it different from other wines?
Dry wine has a number of differences from other varieties of these drinks. So, the main thing it is different from semi-dry- this is the amount of sugar 5-30 g per liter. They have the same cooking method, only when making a semi-dry drink, the fermentation process is stopped at a certain stage by cooling or heating the wort.
The main thing here is biological stabilization, otherwise the excess of sugar in the bottle will activate the fermentation process already in the bottle, as a result, the drink will go bad.
Dry wine is different from table wine, mainly in terms of taste characteristics and method of preparation. The table is prepared by fermentation from grape raw materials of the first extraction, while sugar is not added, this causes its light, delicate taste, slight astringency, and sourness. In contrast, semi-dry and semi-sweet drinks are characterized by a neutral taste, they can be served with any dish.
If we take the concentration of sugar as the basis for comparison, then we distinguish dry and fortified wines. If dry ones are produced by the method of full fermentation of grape juice, then fortified ones are obtained during incomplete fermentation, they also contain alcohol.
Benefit and harm to the body
Red and white dry wines are most often on sale. Red is in the greatest demand, it is a masterpiece of winemaking. On sale you can find:
- A drink made from grapes with skins, seeds, other solid elements in the composition, alcohol in it is 9-13%.
- Special alcohol. The percentage of alcohol here is 14-16%.
The drink differs in structure, it contains resveratrol- This is a substance that reduces the possibility of hearing loss, the amount of cholesterol in the blood, the risk of cancer. If you drink a drink periodically in a small amount, you can:
- restore the activity of the heart muscle, vascular system;
- reduce the possibility of heart attack and heart failure, as well as other health problems.
Wine has a calming, relaxing effect, is used to relieve stress, eliminate overstrain, get rid of depression. It brings benefits if consumed in moderation:
- For men - no more than 2 glasses.
- For women - no more than 1 glass per day.
It is also useful White wine, it contains a lot of acids: tartaric, malic, acetic, they pass from grape raw materials to the finished drink during fermentation.
It contains antioxidants, this is its main feature, as well as vitamins of different groups, essential oils and trace elements. If you drink wine in moderation periodically, you can:
- Reduce cholesterol levels.
- Strengthen the activity of the heart muscle.
- Strengthen the secretion of the endocrine glands.
- Prevent the development of diseases of the heart, arteries.
- Strengthen the walls of the arteries.
- Restore the functioning of the respiratory system.
- Improve memory, activate brain activity.
It is undesirable to drink dry wines in case of:
- Pregnancy, lactation.
- Age up to 18 years.
- Diseases of the digestive system and kidneys, central nervous system.
What goes with dry wines?
Wine is fully capable of revealing the flavor bouquet, if it is drunk correctly, combined with the right snack. The basic rule is - food should not interfere understand, feel the taste and aroma of the drink. Expensive wines are combined with a neutral, simple appetizer, but for a gourmet meal, simple wines are offered, the aroma and taste of which is not impressive.
Determining the best appetizer is difficult, a lot depends on personal preferences, the traditions of the country where the wine was made, but there are still a number of tips to properly set the table if you plan to serve wine.
If the alcohol has a complex aroma, the food should be as simple as possible, for example, white bread, cheeses, fruits, they will not change the taste of the wine and will be perfectly combined with it.
At the same time, there are products that should not be combined with wine at all. Among them are nuts, they differ in viscosity, and it will not be possible to fully experience the taste of wine with them.
If you plan to put dry red wine on the table, you should prepare meat dishes for it, serve low-fat types of cheeses, ham, as well as sausage or lard. You can offer fruits, they slightly contrast with the taste of alcohol. With sourness, it is better to choose sweet fruits, and vice versa.
As for dry white wine, it is consumed with light fish, meat dishes, as well as any seafood. It is undesirable to combine this drink with oily fish, spicy seasonings, citrus fruits.
The best dry wines - rating of popular brands
Dry wines are produced in different countries of the world. The best of them include:
- French red drink called Chateau de Chamirey, Mercurey Rouge, requires Pinot Noir grapes to make.
- Red Italian wine with title Poggio all'Oro Brunello di Montalcino Riserva made from Brunello grape juice.
- portuguese red liquor Quinta do Crasto, "Crasto", made from the grape juice of Tinta Barroca, Tinta Roriz, as well as Touriga Frances.
- Red wine from Russia, for example, Usadba Divnomorskoe Chardonnay from Chardonnay grape raw materials.
- German red wine Burg Ravensburg, Spatburgunder made from Pinot Noir grapes.
- Red wine of Georgia with an interesting name Teliani Valley, Saperavi, made from Saperavi grape raw materials.
- Dry white, as well as red alcohol from the USA. Among them - Duckhorn Decoy Red Wine from grape juice Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Red drink of Spanish winemaking, including Adega Eidos, "Veigas de Padrinan" from Albariño grape raw materials.
- Red wine from the shores of Australia with the name " Fox Creek Vixen» from Shiraz, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties.
- White wine coast of the islands of New Zealand called " saint clair”, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes.
How to make dry wine?
For the production of homemade wine, you can take a variety of fruits, for example, apples and cherries, rose hips, currants, gooseberries. Fruits, berries must be fully ripe, unripe ones will cause the composition to sour, and overripe ones will give it bitterness.
It is necessary to collect raw materials in dry weather, and until this moment it should not rain for several days. This is important, otherwise vegetable yeast will be washed off the fruits.
It is advisable to harvest before frost so that the yeast does not die. The fruits are immediately sorted out, but not washed, distilled for juice. It is important to act strictly according to the recipe, this guarantees the possibility of obtaining a high-quality natural product.
From grapes
Of course, the best dry wine at home can be made from grapes. It should be as fresh as possible, stored for no more than 1.5 days, so as not to turn sour. Berries do not need to be washed. To make a drink, you can use the following recipe:
- The fruits are kneaded with gloved hands, the resulting mass is placed in a container, covered with a layer of gauze.
- In the first days, the juice turns sour, and the pulp forms on the top layer. In this case, you need to mix it several times a day so that there is no souring.
- At the next stage, the juice is separated by passing it through gauze, after which it is poured into prepared glass clean, dry dishes.
- The pulp, which contains some more juice, is poured with warm water, it is squeezed out and filtered. The resulting concentrate is added to the finished drink.
- The container must be filled ¾, the rest is occupied by foam and carbon dioxide. A water seal is fixed on the bottle, which does not allow the drink to turn sour, it releases carbon dioxide, which appears during fermentation.
- The fermentation process takes 1.5 - 3 months at a temperature of 16-25 degrees. It is advisable not to allow temperature drops, otherwise the yeast may stop working or die.
- When the process is completed, the yeast settles to the bottom, the wine can be drained through a narrow rubber hose, the end of which does not reach the bottom.
Apple
Dry homemade apple wine is prepared as follows: autumn or winter varieties fruits, they are not washed. The core is removed from the fruit to avoid bitterness. Apples are passed through a juicer, juice or puree is obtained, the raw materials are placed in a container for several days for fermentation.
When the process begins, the pulp is removed, a water seal is installed and the container is left for a month and a half. At the end, the wine should be filtered, bottled and placed in a dark place for storage.
gooseberry
You can make dry wine from gooseberries, and the berries must be ripe, harvested no later than one day ago. A part of gooseberries, a glass of sugar per 1 liter of juice, and also part of water are taken.
The berries are crushed, placed in a container, water is added (it increases the yield of juice), then syrup is boiled from sugar and water. It is cooled to room temperature and filled with fruits. The neck of the container is tied with gauze and the drink is left at a temperature of 16-20 degrees.
When fermentation begins, the juice is filtered and poured into a container with a water seal. The pulp is poured with water, squeezed out, the resulting juice is mixed with the originally obtained drink. The vessel with wine is placed in a dark place for another 3 weeks, after which the wine is removed from the sediment, poured into containers and left to mature for up to six months.
You can prepare dry wine at home according to one of the above recipes, or you can buy one of the best wines of any country in the world where it is produced and enjoy the amazing aroma and unique taste of a magical drink.
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