50 Things You Didn’t Know About Wine

1. Oldest Winery: The oldest known winery dates back to 4100 BC in Armenia.

2. Wine Ingredients: Wine is primarily made from fermented grapes, but other fruits like plums, cherries, and apples can also be used.

3. French Paradox: Despite a diet high in saturated fats, the French have low heart disease rates, attributed to moderate red wine consumption.

4. World’s Largest Wine Producer: Italy is the largest wine producer in the world, followed by France and Spain.

5. Wine Varietals: There are over 10,000 different wine grape varieties worldwide.

6. Longest-Lived Wine: Some wines, like fine Bordeaux and Burgundy, can age for over 100 years.

7. Wine & Antioxidants: Red wine contains antioxidants, such as resveratrol, which can protect the heart.

8. Champagne Origin: True Champagne only comes from the Champagne region in France.

9. Oldest Bottle: The oldest known bottle of wine dates back to 325 AD and was found in a Roman tomb.

10. Wine Color: The color of wine comes from the grape skins, not the juice.

11. Terroir Influence: The taste of wine is heavily influenced by the terroir, which includes soil, climate, and topography.

12. Wine Legs: The streaks that form on the inside of a wine glass are called “legs” and indicate alcohol content.

13. Cork History: Cork has been used as a wine bottle closure for over 400 years.

14. Wine Aging: White wines generally don’t age as long as red wines.

15. Wine Aroma: A glass of wine can contain more than 200 different aroma compounds.

16. Sparkling Wine: Sparkling wines can be made in various methods, including traditional, Charmat, and transfer methods.

17. Grape Consumption: Only 5-10% of the world’s grape production is used for winemaking.

18. First Wine: The first evidence of winemaking is from Georgia, around 6000 BC.

19. Wine Calories: A standard glass of wine has about 125 calories.

20. Grape Bunches: A single vine can produce up to 5-10 bottles of wine.

21. Wine & Cheese: Wine and cheese pairing has been a tradition for centuries, enhancing flavors.

22. Organic Wines: Organic wines are made from grapes grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.

23. Kosher Wine: Kosher wines must be made under strict Rabbinical supervision.

24. Wine Bottles: Standard wine bottles hold 750 milliliters, but there are larger formats like magnums (1.5 liters) and Jeroboams (3 liters).

25. Dry vs. Sweet: The sweetness of wine is determined by the residual sugar left after fermentation.

26. Wine Glasses: The shape of a wine glass can influence the taste and aroma of the wine.

27. Serving Temperature: Red wines are best served at 60-65°F, while whites are best at 45-50°F.

28. Noble Rot: Botrytis cinerea, known as noble rot, is a fungus that can enhance the sweetness and complexity of certain dessert wines.

29. Biodynamic Wine: Biodynamic wines are made using organic methods, but also incorporate lunar and astrological influences.

30. Wine Tannins: Tannins in red wine come from grape skins, seeds, and stems, and contribute to aging potential.

31. Wine in Religion: Wine has been used in religious ceremonies for millennia, including in Christianity and Judaism.

32. Phylloxera: A pest called Phylloxera devastated European vineyards in the 19th century, leading to the grafting of European vines onto American rootstocks.

33. Wine Bottles Colors: Dark green bottles are often used for red wine to protect it from light, which can degrade the wine.

34. Rose Wine: Rosé is made from red grapes, but the skins are removed after a short maceration period.

35. Wine Health: Moderate wine consumption is linked to a lower risk of certain cancers, heart disease, and stroke.

36. Wine Investment: Fine wines can be a lucrative investment, with some bottles appreciating significantly in value over time.

37. Wine Competitions: There are numerous wine competitions worldwide, where wines are judged and awarded based on quality.

38. Wine in Space: Astronauts have taken wine into space for scientific experiments.

39. Wine Tasting Terms: Common wine tasting terms include body, acidity, tannin, finish, and bouquet.

40. Wine Scoring: Wines are often scored on a 100-point scale by critics and publications.

41. Winemaking Process: Winemaking involves several steps: harvesting, crushing, fermenting, aging, and bottling.

42. Wine & Food: Pairing wine with food involves matching the wine’s characteristics with the flavors and textures of the food.

43. Fortified Wines: Fortified wines, like Port and Sherry, have added spirits to increase alcohol content.

44. Wine Tourism: Wine tourism, or enotourism, is popular in regions like Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and Tuscany.

45. Wine & Temperature: Extreme temperatures can damage wine, so it’s best stored at a constant 55°F.

46. Wine Culture: Wine has a rich cultural history and is an integral part of many traditions and celebrations.

47. Wine Auction: Rare and fine wines are often sold at auctions, sometimes fetching record prices.

48. Wine Aroma Wheel: The wine aroma wheel, developed by Dr. Ann C. Noble, helps tasters identify specific aromas in wine.

49. Wine & Chocolate: Wine and chocolate pairing can be challenging but rewarding when done correctly.

50. Screw Caps: Screw caps are becoming more popular as a reliable alternative to cork, especially for white and young red wines.

These facts showcase the depth and diversity of the world of wine, from its ancient origins to modern practices and trends.