Whether you’re new to wine or you’ve been savoring an evening glass for years, there’s always more to learn about this classic alcoholic beverage. The connoisseurs at Liquor Barrel Wine & Spirits in Crystal, MN, can assist you with any inquiry—but, to get you started, they’ve compiled a brief guide to the concoction. 

What You Should Know About Wine

What Is It? 

Made with fermented juice derived from wine grapes, the production of this classic beverage is an intricate process. The grapes take at least a full season to ripen. In the northern hemisphere, they’re harvested from August through September—in the southern hemisphere, it takes place from February through April. 

What Is a Vintage?

You’ll see the word “vintage” followed by a year on wine bottles. It’s fairly standard, but there’s a deeper meaning than one might immediately think. The word vintage refers to the year that the wine grapes were harvested. In certain parts of the world, including America, Canada, and Bordeaux, that word can only be used if the wine contains at least 95% of the specific year’s wine grapes. If a bottle lacks a date in correspondence to these areas, it means that the wine was made from grapes gathered from different years of harvest.

What Are Blends?

A wine blend contains a mixture of different types of wine grapes. Single-varietal wines, meanwhile, are made with just one. Certain countries have unique requirements as to how much of a specific grape the drink must contain to be considered a single-varietal.

What Are the Flavors?

Wine flavors vary from extremely sweet to smoky to “dry,” or unsweetened. The flavor of wine is also affected by the alcohol content, which is typically anywhere from 10-15%. The acidity of the grapes gives wine its slightly tart quality. It is also “bodied,” meaning it can be described as light, medium, or full in intensity.

What Is the Best Way to Shop?

Buying wine doesn’t have to be a scientific process. It’s enjoyable to experiment with flavors. Some connoisseurs look specifically for older vintages, while others seek out varieties made with grapes that were grown on estates. Ask the wine store experts, too—they will always have excellent suggestions for beginners!

If you’re interested in trying a new bottle of wine, head to Liquor Barrel Wine & Spirits. The store is filled with mouth-watering options, as well as a wide array of craft beers, vodka, rum, and whiskey. Visit the company’s website to learn more, or call them at (763) 537-1511.