Wine Making. Science or Art?
Wine Making
Science or Art?
12320
Dan Simonic
Wine. Science or Art? Wine is an art form perfected and refined by the utilisation of scientific methods and concepts. This concept of science refining the artistic merit of wine can be displayed in many areas of wine making however the points in particular interest are, the picking of the grapes which is considered to be the pinnacle fine wine, the chemical and yeast content added whilst the wine is being created and, most importantly the taste and how it can be altered. According to Foulkes, Chris topher (2001). (Larousse Encyclopedia of Wine),
“wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits. The natural chemical balance of grapes allows them to ferment without the addition of acids, sugars, enzymes, water or other nutrients.”
Wine is generally made from a variety of different styled grapes such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, all of which have a different effect to the taste of the product.
Figure 1.
Making a fine wine all starts with the harvesting of the grapes. The grapes have to be exactly right in order for the quality of the fruit to be transferred into the final product. The process of “picking the grapes” is debatable on whether being a science or art form. According to Eric Glomski, Arizona winemaker and documenter in his article of “The Art and Science of Picking Grapes” (http://azwinelifestyle.com/the-art-science-of-picking-grapes/), Glomski believes that the picking of the grape is based upon the artistic side of knowing to pick once or multiple times in a harvest. He explains it’s a “feeling if to pick once or multiple times” making the decision an art form. He also states that the science involved is to ensure maximum taste when picking chardonnay grapes in California. Figure 2
“I hung out with some scientists who conducted interesting studies on the chemical composition of Chardonnay Grapes at different Brix (%
Science or Art?
12320
Dan Simonic
Wine. Science or Art? Wine is an art form perfected and refined by the utilisation of scientific methods and concepts. This concept of science refining the artistic merit of wine can be displayed in many areas of wine making however the points in particular interest are, the picking of the grapes which is considered to be the pinnacle fine wine, the chemical and yeast content added whilst the wine is being created and, most importantly the taste and how it can be altered. According to Foulkes, Chris topher (2001). (Larousse Encyclopedia of Wine),
“wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits. The natural chemical balance of grapes allows them to ferment without the addition of acids, sugars, enzymes, water or other nutrients.”
Wine is generally made from a variety of different styled grapes such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, all of which have a different effect to the taste of the product.
Figure 1.
Making a fine wine all starts with the harvesting of the grapes. The grapes have to be exactly right in order for the quality of the fruit to be transferred into the final product. The process of “picking the grapes” is debatable on whether being a science or art form. According to Eric Glomski, Arizona winemaker and documenter in his article of “The Art and Science of Picking Grapes” (http://azwinelifestyle.com/the-art-science-of-picking-grapes/), Glomski believes that the picking of the grape is based upon the artistic side of knowing to pick once or multiple times in a harvest. He explains it’s a “feeling if to pick once or multiple times” making the decision an art form. He also states that the science involved is to ensure maximum taste when picking chardonnay grapes in California. Figure 2
“I hung out with some scientists who conducted interesting studies on the chemical composition of Chardonnay Grapes at different Brix (%
Bibliography: http://www.extension.umn.edu/food/small-farms/crops/knowing-when-to-harvest-your-grapes/ http://fabervineyard.com.au/our-stories/winemaking-art-science-magic-or-technology/