Epochs have changed: from the ancient world to antiquity, from antiquity to the Middle Ages, from the Middle Ages to modern times. But one thing remained unchanged - at all times people drank wine, because it is as old as the world. Many newly made connoisseurs of this marvelous drink are confused in its names and classifications. And having heard the phrase "ordinary wine", they are generally perplexed.
Bit of theory
So, let's start from the very beginning - wine can be fruit and berry, flavored and grape. Further, only the latter form will be described, since Russian legislation does not allow any other additives and flavorings under the concept of “grape wine”. And only sugar is allowed, as well as oak wood.
Wines are usually classified into young, vintage, collection and ordinary. Young are the wines of the current year of the harvest, which recently completed the fermentation process. Vintage - a drink with aging in oak barrels for at least two years, made according to a certain technology from specific grape varieties that grow in certain areas. Fine wine, which after bottling is not sent for sale, but continues aging in glass, is classified as collection. But only on condition that the chemical process that takes place in the glass takes place for at least three years, for individual varieties - at least five years.
The word "ordinary" remained unsolved. Today it is rarely seen in use, it is rather an echo of the Soviet past. About a year after the grape is harvested, the wine is poured. However, the “year” in this option is conditional. Berry picking, depending on weather conditions, falls in July - September, and the first bottling begins in May - April (in some cases even in March). From all it follows that the aging period is not more than six months, although theoretically this still means "year". It is such a drink, according to Soviet traditions, called ordinary wine.
Eight Steps to Dry Wine
This recipe without any difficulties and "troubles" is quite capable of making a beginner winemaker. The result is a dry ordinary wine, very healthy and natural. Step-by-step instruction:
- Step 1. We sort out the grapes. Separate intact and ripe berries from the hands. Not mine, so as not to kill the natural yeast that is on the surface. Too dirty, damaged, overripe, discarded berries are thrown away.
- Step 2. Press the grapes with your hands, press or grind in a blender.
- Step 3. We take oak barrels, or sterile clean and dry glass bottles (at least 10 l). Pour the pulp (crushed berries) into them no more than 3/4 of the volume. From the beginning of fermentation, we shut off oxygen by installing a water shutter. The normal temperature of the first fermentation is + 18-22 C in a dark place. The active “game” of the drink will end in about 3-4 weeks.
- Step 4. When the fermentation is over, we separate the crushed berries from the liquid, filter the mixture.
- Step 5. The strained wine material is poured down the throat into another sterile bottle. Between the liquid and the lid with a water seal should remain no more than 100 millimeters. This provides a quiet fermentation. At this step, perfect sterility must be observed. We place the bottles in a dark place, the temperature in which is not less than +8, but does not exceed the mark of +15 degrees.
- Step 6. As soon as the wine brightens, it is again filtered through a cotton flannel and poured into a sterile, dry bottle. You can already try the drink (but not drink all). This young wine does not differ in durability, and without definite processing it will quickly become worthless.
- Step 7. The surviving tasting liquid is poured to the top into glass containers, tightly closed. 60 days are kept in a dark place with a temperature of +15 C.
- Step 8. Again we remove from the sediment. Bottled, cork, sign.
Sometimes it’s very interesting what happens when you open the bottle in a couple, three years. This is a fairly mature wine that can be stored for a long time.
White ordinary
What is the difference between ordinary and vintage wine? Exposure technology. The first is not aged for aging, but is processed expeditiously and delivered to sales centers. The technology for the preparation of ordinary white wines is aimed at saving a varietal bouquet and soft freshness in taste. Such a drink can be varietal and inter-varietal. Color varies from light straw to golden. The bouquet is clearly felt. The taste is fresh, light, clean.
Red ordinary
The technology for making ordinary red table wines is focused on creating drinks with rich color and medium astringency. They are varietal and intersort. A general characteristic of table red wine of this class: the color of the drink varies from light red to burgundy with a ruby hue or the color of pomegranate. The flavoring bouquet is clearly expressed, often there are morocco notes. The finish is rich, harmonious with a moderate, pleasant astringency.
Innings
Collectible, vintage and ordinary wines are drinks that require proper serving. For maximum enjoyment from drinking, you must use traditional serving techniques. Spill ordinary wine must be carried out on special glasses. Champagne glasses should be made of transparent glass, and have a very thin leg. Such glasses will help you fully enjoy the aroma of wine and its color. The temperature of the drink also takes not the last place, it all depends on the strength. Ordinary wines that are too fortified should be served chilled to slightly dull the pungent, intoxicating smell.
Gastronomic accompaniment
Gastronomy plays a significant role here. Different wines fully reveal their taste in certain tandems with food. Alcoholic drinks are well suited not only for hot dishes, but also for desserts, meat, fruits, salads, fish and other marine life. Which one to choose the menu for wine completely depends on which of the drinks the choice will fall.
Now you know what ordinary wine means. This drink in taste characteristics is not much inferior to vintage. In addition, there are many types and varieties of wine. And in this variety, anyone will find something to their taste.