At its most basic, wine can be described as the “juice from fermented grapes…and usually having an alcoholic content of 14 percent or less.” But the definition doesn’t do well to describe the many complexities of a tantalizing wine, nor the rich history of the origin of wine-making.
Evidence of early wine-making reaches back to somewhere before 6000 BC, likely in China, and became widespread not long after. While it is known that “the earliest realization of the delights of wine has not been dated,” it is reasonably understood that the encounter with fermented grapes was a certainty—the yeast on the skins of the grape make fermentation unavoidable. In ancient times the key would have been to consume the resulting wine at the premium time…after the grapes had fermented but before the resulting liquid was turned to vinegar. Archaeologists believe that wine drinking started possibly earlier than 6000 BC but the oldest indication of wine production—an early version of a winery—was discovered in the “Areni-1” cave in Armenia, dating to about 4100 BC. There, archaeologists found fermentation vats, jars and cups for storage, and a crude wine press. The discovery suggests that it is probable that, like wine drinking, the technology also predates this site, although it is not a certainty.
Religious rituals utilized wine, more than likely, because of its mind-altering capability. The release of one’s inhibitions gave a sense of being near a deity, and the subsequent euphoria induced by drinking wine was related more to that nearness to a god than to the wine itself. As technology improved and trade increased, wine making expanded westward where its consumption “permeated all aspects of society: literature, mythology, medicine, leisure, and religion,” according to an article from Cornell University. Wine eventually became a valuable commodity, used as medicine, as a mind-altering substance, as a part of cuisine, enjoyed by the kings and royalty, by religious leaders and participants in religious ceremonies, as a remedy to comfort the depressed or to relax the agitated. Additionally, there are economic advantages to wine that extend into modern society: vines produce a crop with an ever-ready market…a permanent and probably increasing market is virtually guaranteed.
Today we use wine in many of the same ways as those in ancient times. Many religious rituals call for the use of wine, and there are numerous health benefits to sipping. And yes, it is still consumed for its mind-altering capability. But we also drink wine for pure enjoyment, relished for its complex taste and aroma, and for its ability complement a meal when properly paired.
With a history as rich and complex as the wine itself, it’s easy to see why this alcoholic potable has stood the test of time. And knowing how to appreciate the subtle nuances of wine, how to tease out the intricate aromas and flavors may enhance your enjoyment. Check back in the following weeks as we examine the basics of wine tasting, beginning with how its appearance plays a role in the overall wine experience.
