Scientific point of view: 14 answers to the most difficult questions about wine

Choosing wine can be quite difficult, with this drink is associated with a whole science. Genetics, chemistry, microbiology and even psychology play a role in the production of wine, its choice and the rules for its use. To better understand the intricacies of this drink, you should get acquainted with the answers to the most common questions.

Does a cheap wine harm the body?

Absolutely not. Regularly there are rumors that convince the contrary, for example, some people believe that this wine contains arsenic. In fact, a certain level of arsenic in wine was found when comparing it with drinking water. To feel at least some negative consequences of this amount for the body, you need to drink at least two liters of wine at once. This is unlikely, so there is no point in being afraid of wine at an affordable price.

What is the difference between cheap and expensive wine?

If you want a short answer, then: the difference is minimal, if you just drink wine. The price is determined by an impressive number of different factors: the producer, the type of wine, endurance and many others. If you just want to drink a delicious wine, a quite affordable option will be as tasty as from a very expensive bottle. There is still a psychological factor. Studies have shown that people who taste wine blindly receive the same pleasure from drinks of different values. If you are a collector, then, of course, you are interested in very different beverages. It is worth remembering this when buying and focusing on your preferences, not on the price tag.

What is tannins and why are they at fault?

Do you know the feeling of dry mouth that appears after a sip of red wine? It arises from the effects of tannins, naturally occurring chemicals present in wine or black tea. Tannins give the wine its texture, making it more dense than water, they are present in all red wines. Tannins bind proteins contained in saliva, which causes dryness of the oral cavity. It's not a simple mechanism, like a bitter taste. The interaction of red wine with the mouth is more a matter of texture than solely of taste. Experts often evaluate the wine precisely by the amount of tannin in it.

Is it a shame to love cheap wine?

It is understandable, if you like to buy inexpensive wine, and there is absolutely nothing shameful about this. If the wine seems delicious to you and costs a little, it's a great option. This is the same as the love of cheap chips - some love only expensive. If you do not care, you can perfectly save. Of course, raising the price can psychologically affect the feelings of wine, however, if you are happy with a cheap drink, drink it. There is absolutely no reason for shame in this.

How to understand the floral of the wine flavor or fruity? What does this even mean?

The wine can have a variety of notes of flavor. They can be nice to distinguish if you understand them. If you do not care, it does not change anything. If you want to learn to distinguish shades, you can take marmalade with different tastes and arrange each taste separately, and then try not to look to determine where it is. After that, eat a few pieces at a time and try to guess the combination. So wine tasting - you need to learn to distinguish different flavors and tastes. For example, you can notice notes of strawberries - this does not mean that you will feel the same thing as when eating berries. If you practice regularly, it will be easier for you to determine the flavor.

Why is wine so important to smell?

Half the fun of the drink provides its smell. In one glass of wine, fruit, floral, earth notes can be combined. It all depends on how long the wine was open. The glass contains thousands of different components that come into reaction. It is these reactions that affect the aroma in the glass. When the air interacts with the surface of the drink, it begins to oxidize. If you open the wine too early, it can deteriorate. A pleasant fruit aroma can become nutty in a few hours. It is worth considering this feature when opening the bottle - there are varieties that should be drunk immediately without leaving on air for a long time.

Are yeasts present in wine?

All these chemical components present in wine are associated with yeast, the microscopic fungi responsible for the processing of sugar into alcohol. Yeast is added to the wine during fermentation. When they consume all the sugar, they perish. Interestingly, the skin of the grape already contains the yeast necessary for fermentation, but quite often some varieties are added to control the process.

What are sulfites and where are they from in the wine?

Sulphites are found in most varieties of wines. They appear in the oxidation process and help to protect the taste of wine. Yeasts produce part of these sulfites. Some people are sensitive to such a substance, in which case wine should be avoided. In other cases, there is no reason to be afraid.

What gives decanting?

Decanting is a process that makes the aroma of wine even more expressive. This is important for aged wines, in which the cooking process sometimes creates solid particles. Pour the wine into the decanter so that these particles are at the bottom. In addition, if the wine has a too sharp odor, decanting will soften it.

Why the wine is covered with a cork

The cork, created from the bark of a special tree, is a renewable resource, in addition, it is able to adapt to the shape of the neck of the bottle, which is very important for storing wine. There is a problem: a bad cork can get into the wine. This will not harm your body, but will make the taste of wine not very pleasant, like a wet cardboard. Some can drink such a drink, while others simply can not stand it, they are too obviously feeling the taste of the cork.

Does the lid with a thread mean that the wine is cheap?

The absence of a cork still does not mean anything. For example, in New Zealand, manufacturers are increasingly using screw caps, giving up traditional plugs. In this case, you do not need to be afraid of a bad cork, besides, you do not need to make an effort to open the bottle. Such a lid does not less effectively protect the wine from air intake, so it is no worse.

Does genetics play a role in what kind of wine a person prefers?

Genes determine whether you like sweet, bitter or salty, they influence your preferences in wine. For example, if you have an increased sensitivity to bitter taste, you can not drink wine that others like quite. All such nuances in their own way affect what kind of wine you choose.

Why does my head ache even after one glass?

Most often, the problem is related to how you drink, not what you drink. When the body processes alcohol, an inflammatory process occurs. Inflammation can cause a headache. The more in the fault of chemicals, the more grounds for discomfort. If you eat, when you drink wine, you can neutralize the manifestation of a headache.

Is there a wine to be avoided?

It is not necessary to say that some wines should be categorically discarded. Everything depends on the tastes and preferences of a person. In general, there is no wine that will harm you or spoil your body more than any other kind of alcohol. Just use cheap wine for drinks like sangria, which will be mixed with the taste of fruit or soda water.