Wine grapes

Wine grapes‏‎, also known as Vitis vinifera, are the most commonly used type of grape for winemaking. They are a species of the genus Vitis and are native to the Mediterranean region, Central Europe, and southwestern Asia.

History

The cultivation of wine grapes dates back to the Neolithic period. Archaeological evidence suggests that the earliest known production of wine, made by fermenting grapes, occurred in what is now Georgia around 6000 BC. The spread of wine culture westwards was most probably due to the Phoenicians who spread outward from a base of city-states along the Lebanese, Syrian and Israeli coast.

Varieties

There are over 1,300 known varieties of wine grapes. The most popular include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Tempranillo, Syrah, and Chardonnay. Each variety has its own unique characteristics, including variations in size, skin color, and flavor profile.

Cultivation

Wine grapes are cultivated in vineyards, which are often located in regions with a Mediterranean climate. This includes areas such as Bordeaux in France, Tuscany in Italy, and Napa Valley in the United States. The process of growing wine grapes is known as viticulture.

Winemaking

The process of making wine from grapes is known as vinification. This involves harvesting the grapes, crushing them to extract the juice, fermenting the juice (often with the grape skins included), and then aging the wine before it is bottled.

Health Benefits

Wine grapes are rich in antioxidants, including resveratrol, which has been linked to heart health. However, the health benefits of wine are a topic of ongoing debate and research.

See Also

• List of grape varieties
• Viticulture
• Winemaking