What you never dared to ask about wine

The wine is not a language that needs to be learned. It is not a piece of conceptual art that must be understood or deciphered. Take off your bun, pipe, and gloves when trying other more sophisticated things. Wine is tasted, and that’s it. Just make sure that what you take to your mouth is something you like. To differentiate the “yes, please” from the “never again,” you must taste them and not just drink them. And if you have any doubts, here I answer what you always wanted to know about wine but never dared to ask. And all this, what the hell is wine? This multicolored liquid (red, white, rosé, or orange) is the fermented juice of the grape. Not the one that fills our mouths every New Year's Eve in search of love, health, and money. I’m talking about the Vitis vinifera or grapevine whose varieties or strains you have surely heard of: cabernet sauvignon, merlot, malbec, and many others. Yes, just like mango and its multiple varieties (ataulfo, petacón, manila).You might be wondering, why do we smell wine? For me, it is the most special part of the grape juice. The aromas are its gift – in addition to the flavor – as they reveal stories of castles, moons, and families; tales about the place where it was grown, about the grape variety, the recipe with which it was made. Recipe? The recipe in wine is not like that of a cheesecake. The “know-how” or recipe that a winemaker arrives at encompasses everything from how the grape is planted to whether it is blended with other varieties to create blends, or whether the wine is stored in a used barrel or a new one. The possibilities are endless. Perhaps you haven't dared to ask why we swirl the glass and then smell the wine. It’s definitely not to attract attention. The slight circular movement oxygenates the liquid and powerfully awakens the aromas. Try it and smell the still glass. Then, swirl it. Your perception will change. Do you want to know why it is said that wine “smells like cherry,” “has aromas of pepper,” or “green apple”? It’s not that those ingredients are added during its production. The aromas result from the chemical reactions of fermentation and aging. What can happen is that if there was rosemary and lavender in the vineyard, the wine may develop similar notes. And, what if I don't smell anything? First, don’t despair and practice. Even if people see you as crazy, experience life through your nose. In the market, approach flowers and memorize each scent. In the supermarket, smell the fruits (without touching them, to maintain a safe distance) and note if there is a difference between a peach and an apricot, between a green apple and a red one. At home, pile up spices and, from a certain distance, try to recognize them with your eyes closed. This will develop your keen sense of smell. If you know a wine fan, you may have heard about tannins. Tannins what? Tannicity is an essential characteristic in red wine along with acidity, sweetness, and alcohol. To talk about it, first, remember the sensation that an astringent lotion leaves in your mouth. That dryness in the gums is tannicity. Tannins are desirable in wine, as long as they are balanced with the other characteristics. If they are not well “polished” or worked in the recipe, it is likely that the wine will not be easy to drink and will leave your mouth dry.And finally, we arrive at the most important question of all: Is a cheap wine synonymous with “bad” and vice versa? Just like with food, price does not guarantee quality or flavor; there are always discoveries in unexpected places and disappointments in high-end spots. The quality of a wine depends on the care put into the grape from the field and the winery. Additionally, it relates to the winemaker's technique and recipe. If he strives to produce quality products, I assure you that his cheaper wines will be better than those from a winery with heavy marketing and half-hearted practices. There are wines for every moment and every budget. Dare to try them in moderation and to taste with awareness. Ground yourself in the moment. Stay present in the sensations that fill your nose and mouth. The gift will be great. Do you have more wine questions? Write to me and I will reply: shadia.asencio@kiwilimon.com