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[[Image:wine.jpg|right|thumb|400px|A wine tasting barrel]]

[[Image:wine.jpg|right|thumb|400px|A wine tasting barrel]]

'''Wine''' is an [[alcoholic beverage]] made by fermenting [[grape]]s. Although most wines are made from grapes, other [[fruit]]s can be used. Grains can be used to produce wine, for example, barley wine, but this tends to be very rare and technically, barley wine has more in common with [[beer]].

'''Wine''' is an [[alcoholic beverage]] made by fermenting [[grape]]s. Although most wines are made from grapes, other [[fruit]]s can be used. Grains can be used to produce wine, for example, barley wine, but this is more akin to a [beer]] than a wine.

Wines are categorized by color. Red wine, white wine and rose (pink) wine are the three main types and are given their characteristic color by the types of grapes used in their production. Red wine tends to be served at room temperature whereas the others are served chilled.

Wines are categorized by color. Red wine, white wine and rose (pink) wine are the three main types and are given their characteristic color by the types of grapes used in their production. Red wine is usually served at room temperature whereas the others are served chilled.

==Production==

==Production==

Traditionally grapes were trampled by barefooted vineyard workers to produce a pulp, which was fermented to produce a rich, fruity alcoholic drink.  Today this process in most commercial vineyards is mechanized although many "fine wine" producers such as the D'Arenberg vintners in [[Australia]] still proudly claim their wines are 100% foot pressed.

Traditionally grapes were trampled by barefooted vineyard workers to produce a pulp, which was fermented to produce a rich, fruity alcoholic drink.  Today this process in most commercial vineyards is mechanized although many "fine wine" producers such as the D'Arenberg vintners in [[Australia]] still proudly claim their wines are 100% foot pressed.

Once pressed, wines are left to mature in vats (large containers). Vats tend to add [[flavor]] to the wine and are traditionally made from [[oak]]. Fine wine tends to be given longer to mature to develop the flavor. Cheaper wines may have oak chippings added to give a similar flavor without the need to mature for as long.

Once pressed, wines are left to mature in vats, large containers made from [[oak]], which add [[flavor]] to the wine. Fine wine takes longer to develop a mature flavor. Cheaper wines may have oak chippings added to give a similar flavor without the need to mature for as long.

==Alcohol Content==  

==Alcohol Content==  

Wines tend to range from 10% to 14% [[ABV]]. Stronger wines such as [[port]] and [[sherry]] are classed as fortified wines. These require further refinement and are sold as such.

Wines range from 10% to 14% [[ABV]]. Stronger wines such as [[port]] and [[sherry]] are classed as fortified wines. These require further refinement and are sold as such.

==Production==

==Production==

===Wine and Judaism===

===Wine and Judaism===

Wine is an important part of the Jewish Passover seder meal.

Wine is an important part of the Jewish Passover seder meal, in which four cups of wine are ritually consumed.

==Types of wines==

==Types of wines==

:[[Chardonnay]] - a popular white wine produced worldwide and used especially in making [[Champagne]] and white [[Burgundy]]; Chardonnay can be paired with different kinds of food.

:[[Chardonnay]] - a popular white wine produced worldwide and used especially in making [[Champagne]] and white [[Burgundy]]; Chardonnay can be paired with different kinds of food.

:[[Merlot]] - a pleasant, soft red wine with a mild flavor; it is one of the few red wines that can be drunk by itself, without food.

:[[Merlot]] - a pleasant, soft red wine with a mild flavor; it is one of the few red wines that can be drunk by itself, without food.  After the bottle is opened, the flavor improves if it is allowed to breathe, that is, be exposed to the air for several minutes.

:[[Cabernet Sauvignon]] - A very heavy, astringent wine that should ideally be served with fatty red meats; the classic pairing is with lamb.

:[[Cabernet Sauvignon]] - A very heavy, astringent wine that should ideally be served with fatty red meats; the classic pairing is with lamb.

:[[Pinot Noir]] - a red wine commonly grown in Northern California and Oregon; also used in Champagne and red Burgundy.

:[[Pinot Noir]] - a red wine commonly grown in Northern California and Oregon; also used in Champagne and red Burgundy.

:[[Riesling]] - a white wine grape used to produce fine German wines, but also commonly used in plonk, such as Piesporter or Liebfraumilch (commonly sold in the United States under the trade name Blue Nun).

:[[Riesling]] - a white wine grape used to produce fine German wines, but also commonly used in plonk, such as Piesporter or Liebfraumilch (commonly sold in the United States under the trade name Blue Nun).  It should be sweet without being cloying.

Other wines are named after the region in which they are produced.

Other wines are named after the region in which they are produced.