Wednesday 27 January 2016

WINE HISTORY

Time line for wine history

How Wine Colonized The World

The story of wine is deeply intertwined with the story of all of recorded human history.  Wine grapes have taken root in every continent except Antarctica.

ancient Armenia




4100 B.C.
The Oldest Winery Is Founded In Ancient Armenia.   The oldest winery is founded in ancient Armenia. The site was discovered in 2007 by UCLA researchers.






The Ptolemy world map is a map of the known world to Hellenistic society in the 2nd century CE.


Egypt
3100 B.C.
The Pharaohs Rise To Power In Egypt


The pharaohs rise to power in Egypt. They begin making a wine-like substance from red grapes and, due to its resemblance to blood, use it in ceremonies. During this time, the Egyptians come in contact with Jews as well as the Phoenicians. It would be the Phoenicians who would cultivate the wine and begin to spread it around the world.



Israel


1700 B.C.
Wine Was Drank At Least 3,700 Years Ago In Northern-Israel
Archaeologists recently discovered a 3,700-year-old cellar in northern-Israel. The scientists who have studied the findings say that more than 500 gallons of wine were once stored in this cellar (that’s enough to fill 3,000 bottles!).



Phoenicians
1200 B.C. — 539 B.C.
The Phoenicians Begin To Trade Across The Mediterranean

The Phoenicians begin to trade across the Mediterranean, including the Middle East (current day Israel) and stretching around the sea from North Africa to points in Greece and Italy. It was during their trading that they also brought with them wine, transported in ceramic jugs, as well as grapevines. During travels, the Phoenicians come in contact with the Jews, who began to use wine to mark religious ceremonies. We first hear the mention of wine in the book of Genesis, when, after the flood, Noah, drunk on wine, exposes himself to his sons.

Greece
800 B.C.
The Rise Of Greece & Hellenistic Conquest

The Greeks, having been exposed to wine by the Phoenicians, begin to perfect the beverage. Wine becomes a symbol for trade, religion and health. A god is named in honor of wine: Dionysus. As the Greek city-states begin to rise in power, they colonize other land around the Mediterranean, and, along with their armies, travel with wine. After a new colony was conquered, Greeks would settle the area, bringing grapevines with them. Sicily and southern Italy formed some of the earliest colonies, and the wine then traveled up the boot toward Rome.

Dionysos in a ship, sailing among dolphins. Attic black-figure kylix, ca. 530 BC

ROME
146 B.C.
Rome Conquers Greece & Builds An Empire

The Romans take wine as their own, creating Bacchus, their own god of wine, and make wine a central part of their culture, just as the Greeks had done. They build upon and formalize the Greek's cultivation methods to the point that terroir is recognized and famous vintages (121 BC the most well known) are enjoyed for decades. As the Empire and its troops expand across Europe, Romans plant grapevines in modern day France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Spain as well as a number of Central European nations.


The Grand Crus of the Roman Empire Pliny the Elder recognized the Falernian, Alban and Caecuban wines in a manner similar to Bordeaux's growth classifications!



New-World
380 B. C

The Roman Empire Adopts Christianity

As the Roman Empire adopts the Catholic Church and Christianity, wine becomes a central part of the sacrament. Wine’s importance to Catholicism and Mass causes the Catholic Church to focus on wine cultivation and production. Monks in Italy and France begin working as vintners, and winemaking technology is perfected. As the Catholic Church grows across Europe, wine goes with it.


conquistadors

1492 — 1600
Wine Travels To The New World

Wine travels to the New World and it’s brought to Mexico and Brazil by the conquistadors. Wine spreads across South America from these two original locales.
World Map by Diego Ribero, aka "Propaganda map" (1529), now at the Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Vatican City



Japan1543
Portuguese Jesuits Arrive In Japan

The Portuguese sail to Japan. Six years later Saint Francis Xavier brings wine as a gift for the feudal lords. Jesuits convert over 100,000 Japanese citizens to Catholicism. At the same time they introduce imported European wine to the population. In 1587, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi reunifies Japan, Christianity is banned. Grapevines are finally planted around 300 years later, during the Meiji restoration, when the nation embraces Western culture.
The Japanese embassy with Pope Gregory XIII on March 23, 1585.


1554
Spanish Missionaries Spread Across The Americas

Spanish missionaries, traveling from points North, including Mexico, establish Chile’s first winery.


1556
Spanish Missionaries Travel From Chile To Argentina


Spanish missionaries travel from Chile to Argentina, settling in the Mendoza wine region, and planting the region’s first grapes.





1562 — 1564
Wine Briefly Comes To The U.S. In Florida

Wine comes to America, being made for the first time by French Huguenots in Jacksonville, FL. The Huguenots did not bring European grapes with them, but instead used native grapes they found growing in the area. The wine made was not pleasant to the Huguenots, and they stopped making the wine shortly after they began.
Exploration of Florida by Ribault and Laudonniere, 1564



CANADA
1608
Samuel De Champlain Establishes Permanent French Settlements In Canada, Founding Quebec City

Norseman Leif Eirikson is believed to have cultivated wildly growing grapes in 1001 AD, but the settlement didn't last. The French claim Canada as their territory in 1534, but they do not establish permanent settlements until 1608, when Samuel de Champlain founds Quebec City. Jesuits quickly follow and attempt to grow European grapes. They have little success so they turn to the local grapes


Monticello1619
The French Begin Cultivating Imported Grapevines In Virginia

The French import French grapevines and begin cultivating wine in Virginia. Wine starts to be made up and down the Eastern Seaboard, but, due to the colony’s Puritanical roots, it does not immediately take off.

The Northeast Vineyard and Garden Pavilion at Monticello. Thomas Jefferson failed at cultivating the Vitis Vinifera grape species at Monticello. Today, with more modern methods of cultivation, Virginia produces great wines.

South Africa1659
The Dutch East India Company Colonize South Africa

As the Dutch East India Company colonizes South Africa, there is a demand for wine to supply the sailors for their long journey back from Africa to Europe. Vines are planted and wine production begins in Cape Province to fill this need. Later the English would seize the colony.


1769
Spanish Missionary Junípero Serra Travels To California

Spanish missionary Junípero Serra, having traveled from Spain to spread the gospel in the New World, travels to California from Mexico City, opening a mission in San Diego and bringing with him grapes in order to create the region’s first wine. Spanish missions then spread across California, and the Franciscan monks bring with them the art of making wine, establishing Sonoma’s first winery in 1805
Mission San Juan Capistrano was a Spanish mission in Southern California, located in present-day San Juan Capistrano. It was founded on All Saints' Day November 1, 1776, by Spanish Catholics of the Franciscan Order

1785
Thomas Jefferson Is Appointed The Minister To France

Thomas Jefferson is appointed the minister to France. Jefferson travels to France and falls in love with French wine, particularly Bordeaux and Burgundy. Jefferson becomes convinced wine of equal caliber can be produced in the US. He returns with more French grape cuttings, and a desire to see wine thrive in Virginia.

First Fleet
1788
The First Fleet Sails To Australia Via South Africa

The First Fleet, having departed the UK in 1787 in order to travel to Australia to establish the penal colony, makes a stop in South Africa. During the stop the fleet picks up grape cuttings that will be planted in Australia upon the fleet's arrival.
colour lithograph of the First Fleet entering Port Jackson on January 26 1788, drawn in 1888

1832
James Busby Is Appointed British Resident Of New Zealand

James Busby, a British resident living in Australia who is considered the father of the Australian wine industry, is appointed to the position of British Resident of New Zealand by the British government. Busby travels from Australia to New Zealand and brings with him grape cuttings from Australia. He establishes New Zealand’s first vineyard in 1836.

1848 — 1855
The California Gold Rush

Americans seeking to better their prospects travel west, bringing with them a desire for riches and a taste for wine. Their taste for wine not only increases demand for the wine already being made in California, but the gold rushers also bring with them vines from the East coast, most indigenous to France, but also Zinfandel, a grape for which California would become known, that originated in Croatia.

1863 — 1962
Wine Planted By French Colonists In Algeria Flourish During The Great French Wine Blight

Phoenicians planted wine here back in their era, but Islamic rule eventually stuffed that out. When France took control of Algeria in 1830 they started replanting vineyards. Wine production soared when phylloxera decimated the French wine industry in the 1860s - 70s. Production hit a high point in the 1930s, with most of the wine being exported, particularly to French winemakers in the Languedoc for blending. When the French ceded control in 1962, production went into a long decline.
The capital, Algiers, is located in the north of country, where the nation's vineyards flourished. The coastal region has a Mediterranean climate.

Uruguay1870
Basque & Italian Immigrants Arrive In Uruguay


Don Pascual Harriague, a French Basque immigrant plants Tannat vines, which will come to be considered Uruguay's 'National Grape.




chinese_vineyard1980 — 2013
China Opens Up Its Economy

As the Chinese economy opened to the world under Deng Xiaoping, imports of French wine arrived, followed by the French themselves, working with local partners to plant vineyards. In 30 years, as China's middle and upper class populations ballooned, the nation has grown into both one of the world's largest consumers and producers of wine. 








Georgian_wine_vessel...
The earliest archaeological evidence of wine 
         
















Riesling



Old Vine of Riesling (Rees-ling)

Food-wine pairing: dry versions go well with fish, chicken and pork dishes.
Districts: the classic German grape of the Rhine and Mosel, riesling grows in all wine districts. Germany’s great Rieslings are usually made slightly sweet, with steely acidity for balance. Riesling from Alsace and the Eastern USA is also excellent, though usually made in a different style, equally aromatic but typically drier (not sweet). California Rieslings are much less successful, usually sweet and lacking in acidity for balance.
Typical taste in variety wine: Riesling wines are much lighter than Chardonnay wines. The aromas generally include fresh apples. The riesling variety expresses itself very differently depending on the district and the winemaking. Rieslings should taste fresh. If they do, then they might also prove tastier and tastier as they age.




 Gewurztramine

Gewürztraminer(Gah-vurtz-tra-meener)

A very aromatic variety.
Food-wine pairing: ideal for sipping and with Asian food, pork and grilled sausages.
Districts: best-known in Alsace, Germany, the USA West Coast, and New York.
Typical taste in variety wine: fruity flavours with aromas of rose petal, peach, lychee, and allspice. A Gewürztraminer often appears not as refreshing as other kinds of dry whites.




Chardonnay
Chardonnay vine(Shar-doe-nay)

Chardonnay was the most popular white grape through the 1990’s. It can be made sparkling or still.
Food-wine pairing: it is a good choice for fish and chicken dishes.
Districts: chardonnay makes the principle white wine of Burgundy (France), where it originated. Chardonnay is grown with success in most viticulture areas under a variety of climatic conditions.
Typical taste in variety wine: often wider-bodied (and more velvety) than other types of dry whites, with rich citrus (lemon, grapefruit) flavours. Fermenting in new oak barrels adds a buttery tone (vanilla, toast, coconut, toffee). Tasting a USD 15 Californian Chardonnay should give citrus fruit flavours, hints of melon, vanilla, some toasty character and some creaminess. Burgundy whites can taste very different.





Sauvignon-
Sauvignon blanc(So-vee-nyon Blah)
Food-wine pairing: a versatile food wine for seafood, poultry, and salads.
Districts: New Zealand produces some excellent Sauvignon Blancs. Some Australian Sauvignon Blancs, grown in warmer areas, tends to be flat and lack fruit qualities. Of French origin, sauvignon blanc is grown in the Bordeaux district where it is blended with semillon. It is also grown extensively in the upper Loire valley where it is made as a variety wine.
Typical taste in variety wine: generally lighter than Chardonnay — Sauvignon blanc normally shows an herbal character suggesting bell pepper or freshly mown grass. The dominating flavours range from sour green fruits of apple, pear and gooseberry through to tropical fruits of melon, mango and blackcurrant. Quality unoaked Sauvignon Blancs will display smokey qualities; they require bright aromas and a strong acid finish; they are best grown in cool climates.
For reference there is a longer list of white varietys.



Syrah

Syrah vine picture (Sah-ra or Shi-raz)

Shiraz or syrah are two names for the same variety. Europe vine growers and winemakers only use the name syrah.
Food-wine pairing: meat (steak, beef, wild game, stews, etc.)
Districts: syrah excels in France’s Rhône Valley, California and Australia.

Typical taste in variety wine: aromas and flavours of wild black-fruit (such as blackcurrant), with overtones of black pepper spice and roasting meat. The abundance of fruit sensations is often complemented by warm alcohol and gripping tannins.
Toffee notes if present come not from the fruit but from the wine having rested in oak barrels.
The shiraz variety gives hearty, spicy reds. While shiraz is used to produce many average wines it can produce some of the world’s finest, deepest, and darkest reds with intense flavours and excellent longevity.
Merlot
Merlot vine picture(Mer-lo)
Easy to drink. Its softness has made it an "introducing" wine for new red-wine drinkers.
Food-wine pairing: any will do.
Districts: a key player in the Bordeaux blend, merlot is now also grown on the US West Coast, Australia, and other countries.
Typical taste in variety wine: black-cherry and herbal flavours are typical. The texture is round but a middle palate gap is common.



Cabernet-sauvignon-
Cabernet sauvignon(Ka-ber-nay So-vee-nyon)

Widely accepted as one of the world’s best varieties. Cabernet sauvignon is often blended with cabernet franc and merlot. It usually undergoes oak treatment.
Food-wine pairing: best with simply prepared red meat.

Districts: cabernet sauvignon is planted wherever red wine grapes grow except in the Northern fringes such as Germany. It is part of the great red Médoc wines of France, and among the finest reds in Australia, California and Chile.
Typical taste in variety wine: full-bodied, but firm and gripping when young. With age, rich currant qualities change to that of pencil box. Bell pepper notes remain.
Vanilla notes if present come not from the fruit but from the oak treatment. They increase review ratings but may overwhelm the variety taste..


Pinot-noir

Pinot noir(Pee-no Nwar)
One of the noblest red wine grapes — difficult to grow, rarely blended, with no roughness.
Food-wine pairing: excellent with grilled salmon, chicken, lamb and Japanese dishes.
Districts: makes the great reds of Burgundy in France, and good wines from Austria, California, Oregon, and New Zealand.
Typical taste in variety wine: very unlike Cabernet Sauvignon. The structure is delicate and fresh. The tannins are very soft; this is related to the low level of polyphenols. The aromatics are very fruity (cherry, strawberry, plum), often with notes of tea-leaf, damp earth, or worn leather.



*  The first law to regulate the retail trade of wine was the Code of the Babylonian King Hammurabi (1750 BC).
* Egypt, around 1500 BC, developed the first hollow glass drinking vessels, which developed into modern-        day wine glasses. These drinking vessels were later widely made and used by the Romans.
*  Sangiovese, is the most widely planted red grape variety in Italy

WINE SCIENCE & TERMINOLOGY
Grape sugar: Fermented into alcohol, it gives the wine its richness and its fruitiness.

Acidity: It keeps the fruit lively on the palate, especially in a white wine. Without it, a white wine becomes limp and bland. It gives structure to reds to age well.

Tannins: They help red wines last long and mature with age. And they keep a good wine lingering on the palate.

Alcohol: It gives a wine weight on the palate – a German wine with 7% alcohol will taste light, but a chunky Californian Zinfandel with 17% will be more than a mouthful. In a good wine, alcohol should never leave a burning sensation.


 Top Fifteen Wine-Producing Countries

(Volume in thousands of hectoliters; e.g., global production is around 275 million hl) 
Country
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
Italy
42,772
45,616
54,029
44,229
48,869
France
50,757
41,548
42,134
46,804
47,373
Spain
33,397
31,123
45,308
38,211
36,600
United States
19,140
21,650
23,590
22,020
22,140
Argentina
15,473
11,778
14,984
15,197
13,358
Chile
10,464
12,554
12,820
10,500
12,870
Australia
11,180
12,259
12,310
12,020
12,000
South Africa
9,725
10,569
10,982
11,316
11,310
China
13,200
13,511
11,780
11,178
11,178
Germany
9,132
9,012
8,409
9,202
8,788
Portugal
5,622
6,327
6,231
6,195
6,703
Russia
6,980
6,220
5,290
4,880
4,880
Romania
4,058
3,311
5,113
3,750
4,069
Hungary
2,750
1,818
2,618
2,555
2,873
Brazil
3,460
2,967
2,710
2,732
2,732
Rest of World
29,693
27,948
33,910
29,445
29,922
World
267,803
258,211
292,218
270,234
275,665

Indian wine

Bangalore, Karnataka
Bijapur, Karnataka
Narayangaon, Nashik, Maharashtra
Pune, Maharashtra
Sangli, Maharashtra

1.  Sula Vineyards  
    Location: On the outskirts of Nashik, off Gangapur-Savargaon Road, 20 minutes from                         town
2.  Grover Zampa   
     Location: Nandi Hills, around 50 kilometers north of Bangalore in Karnataka.                                    Sanjegaon, around halfway between Igatpuri and Nashik, just off the Mumbai-                    Nasik  Highway in Maharashtra

3.  York Winery

    Located not far from Sula Vineyards, and with a view over Gangapur Dam and the hills                   beyond, boutique York
4.  Chateau d'Ori  
   Location: At the base of the picturesque Nhera-Ori hills at Dindori, around 25                                 kilometers (30 minutes) north of Nashik on the Nashik-Dindori Road.
5.  Charosa Vineyards  
     Location: Charosa village, around 55 kilometers (one hour) from Nashik in the Dindori                       district.
6. Fratelli Wines  
    Location: Akluj, in the Solapur district of Maharashtra. It's approximately 300                                   kilometers (6 hours) from Mumbai. 

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