The history of wine is as old as civilization itself. The most ancient legend tells of the princess of Persia, who lost her father's trust and love and decided to commit suicide. She ate a whole bowl of rotten grapes, drifted and fell asleep. By the time she woke up, all the anxieties that had troubled her had disappeared. Thus the secret of the "rotten" grape was revealed, and the king and the people of Persia were among his first admirers.
Interesting murals were discovered in ancient Egypt - images of wine leaves and vines. The Egyptians also recorded the harvest records and the producer on the wine jars. The main culprits for promoting wine-making were the Hellenes (one of their most important gods was Dionysus), and later the Romans. In the era of Greek civilization, wine is an expression of hospitality and is often present at the table. The Hellenes began to add herbs and aromatic herbs to the wine to enhance its taste, and Homer sang it in his creations, calling it "sweet-smelling" and "sweet-smelling." An important role in the development of wine production in Western Europe is played by the Romans, who store the precious drink in wooden barrels and make the first classification of the various grape varieties.
Wine is also an important element of Christianity. In the Eucharist, it symbolizes the blood of Jesus Christ as well as life itself. There are numerous references to wine throughout the Bible. One of Christ's miracles is precisely the transformation of water into wine at the wedding of Cana of Galilee. The spread of Christianity throughout Europe has led to the emergence of many new vineyards from which monastic communities produce wine for their needs and rituals. Since the monasteries at that time housed Christian worshipers and were "kind of" hotels for wealthier travelers, wine was also an important commercial commodity for them.
A number of river and sea ports are thriving on wine exports. At the end of the 17-18 century, quality wines from France, Spain, Italy and Portugal became extremely famous and sought after. New, elite groups are emerging in France and England, ready to spend fabulous sums on these wines.
THE PROCESS in wine production it is specific to the different regions in which it is prepared. But generally speaking, squeezing the grapes with special presses yields juice (broad) and jib (the hard part of the grapes). From the breadth, after long processes of fermentation, filtration and precipitation, the wine itself is obtained. To mature, it is usually aged in oak or metal containers, and then poured into glass bottles. Under appropriate conditions, the wine can last for ten years, improving its quality and taste characteristics over time.
TYPES OF WINE - Conditionally divide them into red, white, rose and sparkling.
White wine is the result of both white and red and pink grape varieties, and it is necessary to ferment in the complete absence of grape zips containing the coloring matter. The most popular white wines are: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer, Riesling, Pinot Games, Muscat, Muscat.
Red wine is obtained mainly from red grape varieties, whose dyes and tannins also turn into the characteristic dark, bloody color of the wine. The most common red wines are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Mavrud, Pamid, Cheese, Gum.
The rose is made from red grape varieties, but using the technology of producing white wine. Its darker, rosier color is due to the longer fermentation it undergoes.
THE PERFECT COMBINATION
According to the luminary in this area, Fiona Beckett, the rule is one - "red wine is drunk with red meat and white wine - with fish", to which it adds: "drink dry before sweet wines and lighter before wines with a more dense body, just as you avoid eating dessert before main course and steak before soup. "- Fresh and fruity white wines (Pinot Blanc, Semyon, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sanser) combine wonderfully with fish, seafood, salads, stewed vegetables and light entrees, including fruits.
- The more aromatic and dry white wines (Riesling, Vioonia, Muscat, Traminer) can be served to chicken, turkey and pork, to spicy oriental dishes, as well as to eggs and omelets.
- Lighter roses (finer in flavor and color) go perfectly with cold meats and salads, while lighter, fuller pink wines are perfect for pizza, pasta, salty cookies, eclairs and pancakes.
- Sparkling wines (champagne, cream, millet) are usually served as an aperitif in combination with seafood, sushi and bruschetta, as well as fruit and light desserts.
- Pinot noir, gooseberry, beaujolais nouveau are light and fresh fruity red wines that are especially suitable for summer. They are chilled and are great for soft cheeses, pies, chicken, pizza and pasta.
- Red wines with medium intensity of taste and aroma are: Merlot, Cabernet, Burgundy, Chianti, Rioja. They pair beautifully with grilled or wild game meat, lasagna, as well as heavier cheese mousse.
- The "cherry on the cake" in wines are those of a thick and heavy character. These are also the most expensive species - shiraz, malbec, foam, grenache and others. Spicy meat dishes, traditional steaks, dark chocolate and cocoa-rich desserts are suited to this high-class wine.
THE SECRET
More John Steinbeck said:
"A little love is like a little wine - overdoing one or the other is seriously detrimental to health!"
A number of studies indicate that wine has great benefits for our health. The secret is to be moderate - one to two glasses a day is the limit according to specialists.
Polyphenols (the most abundant in red wine) neutralize free radicals in our body. They have strong anti-inflammatory properties and inhibit the development of tumors. Wine normalizes metabolism, stimulates metabolism, dilates blood vessels and improves blood circulation, thus protecting against heart attack and stroke. The alcohol in the wine dissolves plaques and fat deposits and acts as an antioxidant.
The magic grape drink gives our body many amino acids and vitamins from the B group, improves the function of the endocrine system, gives good tone, restores the quality of sleep. It also protects against atherosclerosis, slows skin aging, lowers harmful cholesterol levels in the blood and helps manage stress.
So enjoy the moment, pour yourself a glass of this divine drink and remember - wine goes best with good friends!
Cheers! Happy holiday!
