Sunday, February 7, 2010
With more than 5000 grape varieties, is knowing wine an impossible task?
Saturday, February 6th, 2010
Wine article #19, Medellín, Colombia
The huge amount of existing grapes, plus the usual and numerous blends, make the learning about wines and the differences between those grapes, something close to impossible.
Is it possible? Wine Master Victor Orozco answers:
Orozco is a Wine Master with more than 30 years as a Sommelier in the United States. He is an honorary member of the 2 most important wine associations in the world: The Commanderie de Bordeaux and La Confrérie des Chevaliers du Tastevin, in Burgundy, France.
- There are some 5.000 grape varieties, but only around 150 are grown in commercial amounts, and less than ten are considered classic varieties. In many countries around the world the offer of wines is limited to a half dozen of white varieties and no more than fifteen reds. As far as blends, the majority are a combination of those grapes mentioned above, with the exception of some Italian or Spanish wines which are elaborated with wide variety of native varietals.
If all of the above is true, you just need to study and taste a very reasonable amount of wines to reach a good level of knowledge. Start with your favorites and, always taste at least two wines side by side. The best teacher is undoubtedly wine. You’ll soon notice that wine will do the talking and you just keep translating.
All I can say is that with dedication and enthusiasm, and putting in the right order your acquired knowledge you’ll be able to appreciate wine more everyday.
Published by El Colombiano newspaper from Medellin, Colombia
