Conservapedia - User contributions [en]

Wine

2008-06-08T21:32:10Z

Brad: /* Production */

[[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]].

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.

==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.

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.

==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.

==Production==

Wine is produced throughout the world. The top twenty leading wine-producing countries in order of total production are:<ref>http://www.wineinstitute.org/communications/statistics/keyfacts_worldwineproduction02.htm</ref> [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Spain]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[Argentina]], [[Czech Republic]], [[China]], [[Australia]], [[Germany]], [[Portugal]], [[South Africa]], [[Chile]], [[Hungary]], [[Romania]], [[Greece]], [[Russia]], [[Brazil]], [[Austria]], [[Bulgaria]], and [[Croatia]].

Many of the best-known vineyards are in France but recent competitions place California wine, particularly the vivid reds from the San Bernardino Valley, alongside French wine in quality. Traditional winemaking is centred in the Languedoc region of Southern [[France]] and La Mancha in [[Spain]]. Kentish [[Pinot Noir]] and Welsh [[Riesling]] are also world-renowned wines. In view of global warming traditional non wine producing countries such as Scotland will soon be producing fine wines. The Glasgow born female winemaker Sue Chimay has begun to plant Pinotage as the area around Loch Ness in the Great Glen is deemed to be similar to that around the Cape winelands.

===Wine and Christianity===
Wine has an important role in the Christian religion, reflecting the central role it played in society at the times of Jesus's ministry on [[Earth]]. Plain water was generally not potable at that time and wine was often mixed with water, so that the alcohol in the wine killed some of the harmful microorganisms in the water. (It should be noted, however, that some Christians, primarily fundamentalist Protestants, hold that none of the references in the Bible to "wine" should be understood as referring to an alcoholic beverage, but rather to unfermented grape juice. Such view is held by only a small minority of Biblical scholars.)

Christ's first miracle, performed at the wedding feast at Cana, was to turn six [[amphora]] filled with water into wine. (John 2:7-10.) At the [[Last Supper]], Christ commands the [[Apostles]] to eat bread and drink wine, which he calls His Body and Blood, and commands the Apostles to do this "in remembrance of me." (Matthew 26::26-29; Mark 14:23-24; Luke 22:20-23.) This is preserved in the liturgy of the Christian Church as [[Holy Communion]]. The different denominations of Christianity have various teachings and doctrines about the place and significance of the wine in the communion service, which are roughly separable into [[memorialism]] and a belief in the [[Real Presence]] of Christ in the [[Eucharist|Eucharistic]] hosts.

Many of the orders of [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Roman Catholic]] religious (monks and nuns) established their own wineries in Europe and, in the case of Catholic orders, in the Americas.

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

==Types of wines==

Wines in the [[Americas]], [[Australia]], [[South Africa]] and [[Germany]] are generally sold under the name of the varieties of [[grape]] that go into the production. Some of the most popular types are:

:[[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.

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

:[[Gewurztraminer]] - sometimes called GWT or GTR for short. A [[German]] varietal now produced worldwide, it has a quirky flavor and goes well with Chinese food.

:[[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).

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

:[[Rioja]] - a region in northern [[Spain]]
:[[Bordeaux]] - a region in southwestern [[France]]
:Burgundy - a region in eastern France

Quality of Wines

:Fine Wines - These are generally regarded as higher quality wines. But the name "Fine Wine" is derived from the Fining process of a wine rather than quality. Fining is the cleaning process which filters out impurities in the wine after fermentation. Cheaper wines were not fined and so were not regarded as "Fined Wines" later "Fine Wines"

:Beverage Wines - Everyday drinking wines

== Champagne ==
"Champagne" can either mean sparkling wines produced in the Champagne region of northeastern [[France]], or it may be used to describe such wines, no matter where produced. European Union rules restrict the use of the Champagne name to wines fitting the former description. However, it is common to see wines in the United States sold as "champagne" even if they were produced domestically. The French have protested this, to no avail. The production of sparkling wines outside France has had the effect of making excellent "champagne" type wines available at far less cost than the French varieties and further diversifying the market. Some excellent sparkling wines are produced in [[Australia]] but are not permitted to be sold under the name "champagne".

Champagne and other sparkling wine gets its "fizz" from [[carbon dioxide]] dissolved in the wine.

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
[http://www.winespectator.com/ Wine Spectator]

[[Category:Alcoholic Beverages]]

Wine

2007-08-15T20:49:42Z

Brad: /* Types of wines */ spelling correction plus notes on Fine Wines

[[Image:wine.jpg|thumb|300px|Red and white wines in traditional wine glasses]]
'''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]].

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.

==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.

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.

==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.

==Production==

Wine is produced throughout the world. The top twenty leading wine-producing countries in order of total production are:<ref>[http://www.wineinstitute.org/communications/statistics/keyfacts_worldwineproduction02.htm]</ref> [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Spain]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[Argentina]], [[China]], [[Australia]], [[Germany]], [[Portugal]], [[South Africa]], [[Chile]], [[Hungary]], [[Romania]], [[Greece]], [[Russia]], [[Brazil]], [[Austria]], [[Bulgaria]], and [[Croatia]].

Many of the best-known vineyards are in France but recent competitions place California wine, particularly the vivid reds from the San Bernardino Valley, alongside French wine in quality. Traditional winemaking is centred in the Languedoc region of Southern [[France]] and La Mancha in [[Spain]]. Kentish [[Pinot Noir]] and Welsh [[Riesling]] are also world-renowned wines.

==Wine and Christianity==

Wine is served in Churches as a representation or transubstantiation of The Body of [[Christ]] during the Holy Communion and many of the wineries in the Americas were founded by [[Christian]] Religious Orders. Historically, Communion wines are red wines for symbolic reasons.

==Types of wines==

Wines, especially cheaper New World wines, are named after the varieties of [[grape]] that go into the production. Some of the most popular types are:

:Chardonnay - a popular white wine produced worldwide.

:Merlot - a pleasant red wine with a mild flavor.

:Cabernet Sauvignon - originally a French variety, now a very popular Australian red wine.

:Gewurztraminer - sometimes called GWT or GTR for short. A [[German]] variety now produced worldwide.

Other wines are named after the region

:Rioja - traditional [[Spanish]] red wine.#
:Bordeaux - traditional [[French]] red and white wines.

Quality of Wines

:Fine Wines - These are generally regarded as higher quality wines. But the name "Fine Wine" is derived from the Fining process of a wine rather than quality. Fining is the cleaning process which filters out impurities in the wine after fermentation. Cheaper wines were not fined and so were not regarded as "Fined Wines" later "Fine Wines"

:Beverage Wines - Everyday drinking wines

== Champagne ==

Sparkling wines, generally known as [[Champagne]] are produced worldwide but only wines produced in the Champagne region of North Eastern [[France]] are permitted to bear the name. Some excellent sparkling wines are produced in [[Australia]] and [[California]] but are not permitted to be sold under the name "champagne". This has had the effect of making excellent "champagne" type wines available at far less cost than the French varieties and further diversifying the market.

==References==

http://www.winespectator.com/

[[Category:Alcoholic beverages]]

Cricket World Cup

2007-03-26T15:15:39Z

Brad:

The [[Cricket]] World Cup is a tournament played by the cricketing nations of the world. The first was in 1975, and the most recent one is the current 2007 Cup. Held approximately every four years, the tournament is anticipated greatly by a whole variety of religious, ethnic and political groups, primarily because cricket is viewed by a significant proportion of non-American countries as perhaps the "unifying" sport. The Cricket World Cup is organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC), which regulates all international matches. However, the World Cup has been filled with certain controversies and mysterious disappearances, such as the tragic death of Bob Woolmer on the 23rd of March 2007.

'''How the World Cup works'''

Nevertheless, the World Cup is often perceived as a momentous occasion, despite its somewhat inexplicable unpopularity in the USA and non-[[Commonwealth Nations]]. Theories have been put forward that the slow pace of the game and the lack of Britain's influence during the rapid augmentation in America's strength and military might during the 20th Century may be factors. The World Cup is also clearly a catalyst to the rise of many players, such as the legendary Sanath Jayasuriya and Ed "Spud" Joyce, as well as the wicket-keeper Matthew Thomlinson, reputedly the greatest batsmen in the world. Furthermore, more infamous characters, such as Azeem Raza Sheikh, front-line pace bowler for the Pakistan Cricket Team, has been known for his sledging and cutting jokes. Ayaz Hussain, Bowling Coach and legendary ex-spinner for Pakistan, nonetheless supports Sheikh for his immense contributions to the game.

The rules employed in the World Cup are similar to those of the regular rules of cricket ("The Laws
Of Cricket"). However, the one major difference is the introduction of the "Home Run", which equates to 12 runs, when a batsman launches the ball out of the stadium.

The structure of the World Cup varies greatly from decade to decade, a thing that the ICC has been criticized about. The usual route of the world cup is as follows: Qualifying stages, Group Matches, Round 2 matches (for example, the "Super Sevens" in the 2007 Cup), the Semi-Finals and the Final. Winners of the Final have the honor of taking the 3 foot high Golden Cup, on which the famous cricketing slogan "Muttu Poda Naye" is inscribed; this is can roughly be translated as "To the one are the many", which originated from India.

'''Developments and history of the World Cup'''

Another great innovation of the World Cup is by the renowned Muttiah Muralitharan, chief panellist for the ICC. He worked out a way in which the results of rained out cricket matches can be calculated, which has hindered many tournaments in the past. The winner will be the team that attains a greater value from the following equation, developed in 1993-4:

W=3x+2zy, where W is the Critical Value, x the runs scored so far in the tournament, y the number of wickets taken and z being the "Constant of Muralitharan", named after the panellist himself.

'''Winners of the previous World Cups, and the Players of the Tournament'''

1975: Sri Lanka. Player of Tournament (Pt) - Ed Joyce,
1979: West Indies. Pt-Clive Lloyd,
1983: India. Pt- Ed Joyce,
1987: Australia. Pt-Sunil Gavaskar,
1992: Pakistan. Pt-Imran Khan/Sanath Jayasuriya,
1996: Sri Lanka. Pt-Sanath Jayasuriya,
1999: Sri Lanka. Pt-Sanath Jayasuriya,
2003: England. Pt-Matthew Thomlinson,
2007: Predicted to be England.

'''Historic Occasions in Previous World Cups'''

'''1975:''' Sri Lanka storm through the tournament to win the first ever World Cup. Ed Joyce breaks a world record to score the first ever 150 in the game, with 5 "home runs" '''1979:''' James Cormack, captain of the Scotland Cricket Team, end up with brilliant figures of 7-15 in 10 overs as well as a batting score of 75* (the first ever batsman to do so), leading to an unprecendented 7-wicket victory over West Indies '''1983:''' Umpire Publius Sextus Quintus Fell entered a controversial race row in an India vs South Africa match, in which Fell allegedly no-balled leg-spinner Ramachandran repeatedly on the ground of "smelling like curry" and for "chucking". He was also accused of muttering swear words in Africaans during the match. '''1992:''' Sheikh picks up a five-wicket haul in the finals against England to take the Cup. '''1996:''' Jayasuirya, George Chamberlain and Dave "The Rave" Twymann all score huge centuries in the Cup, making it the most exciting tournament since its inaugaration in 1975. '''1999:''' James "Watty" Watts was suspended and subsequently expelled from the Cup after allegations of drug-taking and bullying Avi Mayorcas after the latter's stunning catch to dismiss Watts. '''2003:''' Thomlinson scores a crushing double century in just 120 deliveries to take the Cup in the finals against Sri Lanka. Michael Craddock hits 7 "home runs" (a new record) against New Zealand, but was also accused of singing too much by angry Kiwi supporters.

Champagne

2007-03-25T11:29:39Z

Brad:

Champagne is a sparkling [[wine]] named after the Champagne region of NE France. Produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern [[France]] but also in [[California]], [[England]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[India]]. The French have attempted to retain the right to the term Champagne for wines from the Champagne region only but The [[US]] authorities have rightly resisted.

With global warming [[England]] will soon be regarded as the pre-eminent producer of Champagne with brands such as [[Lambrini]], [[Babycham]] and [[Nytimber]]

The major area of Australia producing Champagne is [[Tasmania]]

In Spain, Champagne is now called [[Cava]] because of pressure from the French prior to Spain entering the European Union.

Champagne

2007-03-24T21:57:46Z

Brad:

Champagne is a sparkling [[wine]] named after the Champagne region of NE France. Produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern [[France]] but also in [[California]], [[England]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[India]]. The French have attempted to retain the right to the term Champagne for wines from the Champagne region only but The [[US]] authorities have rightly resisted.

With global warming [[England]] will soon be regarded as a pre-eminent producer of Champagne with brands such as [[Lambrini]], [[Babycham]] and [[Nytimber]]

The major area of Australia producing Champagne is [[Tasmania]]

In Spain, Champagne is now called [[Cava]] because of pressure from the French prior to Spain entering the European Union.

Spain

2007-03-24T21:49:44Z

Brad:

{{stub}}Country located on the Iberian Peninsula. Borderd by the Alantic Ocean to the [[west]] and the Mediterranean on the east. Portuagal is located on the same peninsula. Is the same country as was in the medieval times. And known for its famous explorers.

The Conservative, PP, government of José María Aznar strongly supported the US [[War on Terror]] until a major [[terrorist]] by [[al-Qaeda]] shortly before a general election was influential in allowing the Socialist party, PSOE, to win. The new government of [[Rodríguez Zapatero]] removed Spanish troops from [[Iraq]] and has a policy which is regarded as neutral to anti-American.

[https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sp.html CIA World Factbook entry for Spain]

[[Category:Countries]]

Champagne

2007-03-24T21:44:33Z

Brad:

Champagne is a sparkling [[wine]] named after the Champagne region of NE France. Produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern [[France]] but also in [[California]], [[England]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[India]]. The French have attempted to retain the right to the term Champagne for wines from the Champagne region only but The [[US]] authorities have rightly resisted.

With global warming [[England]] will soon be regarded as a pre-eminent producer of Champagne with brands such as [[Lambrini]], [[VP]] and [Nytimber]]

Champagne

2007-03-24T21:44:21Z

Brad:

Champagne is a sparkling [[wine]] named after the Champagne region of NE France. Produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern [[France]] but also in [[California]], [[England]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[India]]. The French have attempted to retain the right to the term Champagne for wines from the Champagne region only but The [[US]] authorities have rightly resisted.

With global warming England will soon be regarded as a pre-eminent producer of Champagne with brands such as [[Lambrini]], [[VP]] and [Nytimber]]

Champagne

2007-03-24T21:44:07Z

Brad:

Champagne is a sparkling [[wine]] named after the Champagne region of NE France. Produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern [[France]] but also in [[California]], [[England]], [[Australia]], [[New Zealand]] and [[India]]. The French have attempted to retain the right to the term Champagne for wines from the Champagne region only but The [[US]] authorities have rightly resisted.

With global warming England will soon be regarded as a pre-eminent producer of Champagne with brands such as [[Lambrini]] [[VP]] and [Nytimber]]

Wine

2007-03-24T21:40:14Z

Brad:

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting grapes or other fruit.

Traditionally grapes were trampled by barefooted vineyard workers to produce a pulp, which was fermented with tannins and sulfides to produce a rich, fruity drink. Today this process in most commercial vineyards is mechanized.

Wine is produced throughout the world. The top twenty leading wine-producing countries in order of total production are:<ref>[http://www.wineinstitute.org/communications/statistics/keyfacts_worldwineproduction02.htm]</ref> [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Spain]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[Argentina]], [[China]], [[Australia]], [[Germany]], [[Portugal]], [[South Africa]], [[Chile]], [[Hungary]], [[Romania]], [[Greece]], [[Russia]], [[Brazil]], [[Austria]], [[Bulgaria]], and [[Croatia]].

Many of the best-known vineyards are in France but recent competitions place California wine above French wine in quality. Most winemaking is centred in the Languedoc region of Southern [[France]] and La Mancha in [[Spain]].

Wine is served in Churches as a representation or transubstantiation of The Body of Christ during the Holy Communion and many of the wineries in the Americas were founded by Christian Religious Orders.

== Champagne ==

Sparkling Wine, generally known as [[Champagne]] is produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern France but also in California, England, Australia, New Zealand and Inda. The French have attempted to retain the right to the term Champagne for wines from the Champagne region only but The US authorities have rightly resisted.

Champagne

2007-03-24T20:16:48Z

Brad:

Champagne

2007-03-24T20:08:44Z

Brad: New page: Sparkling Wine, generally known as Champagne is produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern France but also in California, England, Australia, New Zealand and Inda. The Fren...

Sparkling Wine, generally known as Champagne is produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern France but also in California, England, Australia, New Zealand and Inda. The French have attempted to retain the right to the term Champagne for wines from the Champagne region only but The US authorities have rightly resisted.

Wine

2007-03-24T20:08:20Z

Brad:

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting grapes. The grapes are trampled by barefooted vineyeard workers to produce a pulp, which is fermented with tannins and sulphides to produce a rich, fruity drink. [[Water]] can be turned into wine only through a [[Miracle]], such as the one Jesus did. Wine is served in some looser Churches as a representation or transubstantiation of The Body of Christ during the Holy Communion.

Many of the best-known vineyards are in France, such as Chateau Moulin Rothschild, Chateau d'Amuse, Chateau d'Agneau de Christo, Chateau de Hennessy, Chateau de les Fruits de Mer, and manyh more. Most winemaking is centred in the Bordeaux region of North Eastern France.

There is much discussion of wine on wine-pages.com. For many members of the forum it is a substitute for work or relationships.

== Champagne ==

Sparkling Wine, generally known as [[Champagne]] is produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern France but also in California, England, Australia, New Zealand and Inda. The French have attempted to retain the right to the term Champagne for wines from the Champagne region only but The US authorities have rightly resisted.

Wine

2007-03-24T20:08:00Z

Brad:

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting grapes. The grapes are trampled by barefooted vineyeard workers to produce a pulp, which is fermented with tannins and sulphides to produce a rich, fruity drink. [[Water]] can be turned into wine only through a [[Miracle]], such as the one Jesus did. Wine is served in some looser Churches as a representation or transubstantiation of The Body of Christ during the Holy Communion.

Many of the best-known vineyards are in France, such as Chateau Moulin Rothschild, Chateau d'Amuse, Chateau d'Agneau de Christo, Chateau de Hennessy, Chateau de les Fruits de Mer, and manyh more. Most winemaking is centred in the Bordeaux region of North Eastern France.

There is much discussion of wine on wine-pages.com. For many members of the forum it is a substitute for work or relationships.

== Champagne ==

Sparkling Wine, generally known as Champagne is produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern France but also in California, England, Australia, New Zealand and Inda. The French have attempted to retain the right to the term Champagne for wines from the Champagne region only but The US authorities have rightly resisted.

Wine

2007-03-24T20:07:42Z

Brad:

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting grapes. The grapes are trampled by barefooted vineyeard workers to produce a pulp, which is fermented with tannins and sulphides to produce a rich, fruity drink. [[Water]] can be turned into wine only through a [[Miracle]], such as the one Jesus did. Wine is served in some looser Churches as a representation or transubstantiation of The Body of Christ during the Holy Communion.

Many of the best-known vineyards are in France, such as Chateau Moulin Rothschild, Chateau d'Amuse, Chateau d'Agneau de Christo, Chateau de Hennessy, Chateau de les Fruits de Mer, and manyh more. Most winemaking is centred in the Bordeaux region of North Eastern France.

There is much discussion of wine on wine-pages.com. For many members of the forum it is a substitute for work or relationships.

== Champagne ==

Sparkling Wine, generall known as Champagne is produced not only in the Champagne region of North Eastern France but also in California, England, Australia, New Zealand and Inda. The French have attempted to retain the right to the term Champagne for wines from the Champagne region only but The US authorities have rightly resisted.

Spain

2007-03-24T20:03:00Z

Brad:

{{stub}}Country located on the Iberian Peninsula. Borderd by the Alantic Ocean to the [[west]] and the Mediterranean on the east. Portuagal is located on the same peninsula. Is the same country as was in the medieval times. And known for its famous explorers. Spain has supported the US [[War on Terror]] strongly, due to a major [[terrorist]] attack on the [[Madrid]] rail system that killed many people though the post terrorist attack is regarded as neutral to anti-American. The Socialist government replaced the policy of the previous Conservatove Partido Popular government of supporting the liberation of Iraq and regime change.

[https://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sp.html CIA World Factbook entry for Spain]

[[Category:Countries]]

France

2007-03-24T19:59:26Z

Brad:

{{stub}}
[[Image:map_of_france.jpg|thumbnail|right|250px|Map of France]]
France is a country in Western Europe.

At its height, the French Empire rivaled the British Empire, with colonies in every corner of the world. It continues to be a strong presence in academia and has been the birthplace of countless renowned scholars. It remains a powerhouse in the [[European Union]], often at odds with the [[United Kingdom]] on issues of EU policy. The capital city is Paris, often called the "City of Lights" due to its renown for a center of learning and philosophy.

It was a founding member of the European Coal and Steel treaty which led to the EEC and EU. It greatly assisted then-Great Britain's North American colonies both militarily and financially in their effort to gain independence, and established universal legal codes in much of the non-Anglo-Saxon west. It has made a number of philosophical contributions to the world, including Descartes and Sartre, existentialism and post modernism. It gifted the Statue of Liberty to the USA in celebration of its independence, echoing the French aid given to the colonies during the American Revolutionary War.

In March of 2003 A.D., France did not participate in the alliance that liberated[[Iraq]], with its aim of removing the [[Baathist]] regime of the dictator [[Saddam Hussein]].
==Gaul==
Back during the time of the [[Roman Republic]], France was a territory called Gaul. It was home to many fierce Saxon tribes. [[Julius Caesar]] personally led the invasion.

==Frankland under Clovis==
France is named after the Franks, a Saxon tribe who established Soissons, the capital. A Frank called [[Clovis]] united the Franks and established Frankland

[[Category:Countries]]

France

2007-03-24T19:58:47Z

Brad:

{{stub}}
[[Image:map_of_france.jpg|thumbnail|right|250px|Map of France]]
France is a country in Western Europe.

At its height, the French Empire rivaled the British Empire, with colonies in every corner of the world. It continues to be a strong presence in academia and has been the birthplace of countless renowned scholars. It remains a powerhouse in the [[European Union]], often at odds with the [[United Kingdom]] on issues of EU policy. The capital city is Paris, often called the "City of Lights" due to its renown for a center of learning and philosophy.

It was a founding member of the European Coal and Steel treaty which led to the EEC and EU. It greatly assisted then-Great Britain's North American colonies both militarily and financially in their effort to gain independence, and established universal legal codes in much of the non-Anglo-Saxon west. It has made a number of philosophical contributions to the world, including Descartes and Sartre, existentialism and post modernism. It gifted the Statue of Liberty to the USA in celebration of its independence, echoing the French aid given to the colonies during the American Revolutionary War.

In March of 2003 A.D., France did not participate in the alliance that liberated[[Iraq]], with its aim of removing the [[Baathist]] regime of the dictator [[Sadaam Hussein]].
==Gaul==
Back during the time of the [[Roman Republic]], France was a territory called Gaul. It was home to many fierce Saxon tribes. [[Julius Caesar]] personally led the invasion.

==Frankland under Clovis==
France is named after the Franks, a Saxon tribe who established Soissons, the capital. A Frank called [[Clovis]] united the Franks and established Frankland

[[Category:Countries]]

France

2007-03-24T19:58:25Z

Brad:

{{stub}}
[[Image:map_of_france.jpg|thumbnail|right|250px|Map of France]]
France is a country in Western Europe.

At its height, the French Empire rivaled the British Empire, with colonies in every corner of the world. It continues to be a strong presence in academia and has been the birthplace of countless renowned scholars. It remains a powerhouse in the [[European Union]], often at odds with the [[United Kingdom]] on issues of EU policy. The capital city is Paris, often called the "City of Lights" due to its renown for a center of learning and philosophy.

It was a founding member of the European Coal and Steel treaty which led to the EEC and EU. It greatly assisted then-Great Britain's North American colonies both militarily and financially in their effort to gain independence, and established universal legal codes in much of the non-Anglo-Saxon west. It has made a number of philosophical contributions to the world, including Descartes and Sartre, existentialism and post modernism. It gifted the Statue of Liberty to the USA in celebration of its independence, echoing the French aid given to the colonies during the American Revolutionary War.

In March of 2003 A.D., France did not participate in the alliance that liberated[[Iraq]], with its aim of removing the [[Baathist]] regime of the dictator Sadaam Hussein.
==Gaul==
Back during the time of the [[Roman Republic]], France was a territory called Gaul. It was home to many fierce Saxon tribes. [[Julius Caesar]] personally led the invasion.

==Frankland under Clovis==
France is named after the Franks, a Saxon tribe who established Soissons, the capital. A Frank called [[Clovis]] united the Franks and established Frankland

[[Category:Countries]]

Wine

2007-03-24T19:56:27Z

Brad:

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting grapes or other fruit. Traditionally grapes were trampled by barefooted vineyard workers to produce a pulp, which was fermented with tannins and sulfides to produce a rich, fruity drink. Today this process in most commercial vineyards is mechanized.

Wine is produced throughout the world. The top twenty leading wine-producing countries in order of total production are:<ref>[http://www.wineinstitute.org/communications/statistics/keyfacts_worldwineproduction02.htm]</ref> [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Spain]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[Argentina]], [[China]], [[Australia]], [[Germany]], [[Portugal]], [[South Africa]], [[Chile]], [[Hungary]], [[Romania]], [[Greece]], [[Russia]], [[Brazil]], [[Austria]], [[Bulgaria]], and [[Croatia]].

Many of the best-known vineyards are in France but recent competitions place California wine above French wine in quality. Most winemaking is centred in the Languedoc region of Southern [[France]] and La Mancha in [[Spain]].

Wine is served in Churches as a representation or transubstantiation of The Body of Christ during the Holy Communion and many of the wineries in the Americas were founded by Christian Religious Orders.

Wine

2007-03-24T19:56:05Z

Brad:

Wine is an alcoholic beverage made by fermenting grapes or other fruit. Traditionally grapes were trampled by barefooted vineyard workers to produce a pulp, which was fermented with tannins and sulfides to produce a rich, fruity drink. Today this process in most commercial vineyards is mechanized.

Wine is produced throughout the world. The top twenty leading wine-producing countries in order of total production are:<ref>[http://www.wineinstitute.org/communications/statistics/keyfacts_worldwineproduction02.htm]</ref> [[France]], [[Italy]], [[Spain]], [[United States of America|USA]], [[Argentina]], [[China]], [[Australia]], [[Germany]], [[Portugal]], [[South Africa]], [[Chile]], [[Hungary]], [[Romania]], [[Greece]], [[Russia]], [[Brazil]], [[Austria]], [[Bulgaria]], and [[Croatia]].

Many of the best-known vineyards are in France but recent competitions place California wine above French wine in quality. Most winemaking is centred in the Languedoc region of Southern France and La mancha in Spain.

Wine is served in Churches as a representation or transubstantiation of The Body of Christ during the Holy Communion and many of the wineries in the Americas were founded by Christian Religious Orders.

Wine

2007-03-24T19:45:30Z

Brad: