10 curiosities about wine that you may not know
If there is something that can not be missed at any dinner or celebration is a good wine. In fact, we can say that he is one of the main guests at the table. And as it is something so common and common in our gastronomy, it never hurts to know certain information about it and some curious facts that will allow you to delve a little more into the interesting world of oenology. Therefore, in today’s blog post we present 10 curiosities about wine that, at least, will be striking.
1.The sea is a perfect way to age wine
Interestingly, the bottles that have been rescued from the bottom of the sea after old shipwrecks, are kept in perfect condition. Therefore, the first underwater wineries began to be used. In addition, this type of aging of the wine does not alter the marine conditions, being an alternative totally respectful with the environment.
2. Where is more wine produced and drunk?
The figures are very clear. Europe is the continent where the greatest amount of wine is produced, with France, Spain and Italy being the three most advantageous countries in this regard. In this way, European production exceeds that of the rest of the world as a whole.
In addition, the largest consumer of wine worldwide is not France or Spain, despite what the vast majority may think, but is the Vatican, with 74 liters per capita per year.
3. Wine has not color
Most wines, including those whose origin is the blackest grapes, are colorless. Its color appears later during maceration and after the action of anthocyanins, which are pigments found in the skin of grapes and other plant cells. Therefore, the way in which anthocyanins are extracted, while the grapes ferment, determines the final color of the wine.
4. The complete minerality of the wine
Incredibly, a bottle of wine contains all the basic minerals that make human life possible, such as chloride, calcium, copper, chromium, iodine, magnesium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, zinc and selenium.
5. Why do we collide with glasses?
In fact, this data is not yet known for sure, although its origin remains fixed in classical antiquity. In this sense, there are three main theories. The first was a way to scare away evil spirits. Second, spilling some wine into the enemy’s cup during the toast served to prove that the drink was not poisoned. Finally, with the third there was a belief that in the Roman era they considered that the ear should also enjoy the pleasure of drinking wine.
6. There are wines made without grapes
At present, there are many wines that are made without grapes, especially in countries such as the United States and Japan, which have proposed to innovate with new raw materials. Therefore, in these places it is not uncommon to find jalapeno wine, cherry wine, peach wine or macadamia nut wine.
7. And the most expensive bottle of wine?
It is produced in Spain, specifically, in the Cuenca town of Las Pedroñeras, and is valued at the chilling figure of 340,000 euros. This is a special edition of AurumRed, a wine whose nuances vary depending on the direction of the drinking glass. More than an exclusive wine, we could say that it is an authentic work of art.
8. The consumption of red wine improves memory
Numerous scientific studies certify that, if red wine is consumed in a moderate and regular way, certain improvements in the functioning of our brain can be appreciated, delaying the onset of dementia. This product contains a large number of antioxidants that help prevent inflammation, preventing arteries from hardening and clotting.
9.The wine with the greatest historical tradition
All eyes are focused on El Commandaria, a sweet wine from Cyprus, whose existence was already mentioned by the Greek poet Hesiod in 800 BC. and it is believed that he was chosen by Ricardo Corazon de León to toast at his wedding. Today, it is still produced by hand with two types of native Cypriot grapes.
10.How many grapes are needed for a bottle of wine?
It is very likely that, on more than one occasion, you have asked yourself this question. Therefore, the answer is that, although there may be some small variations, an average of one kilogram of grapes is needed to fill a standard-sized bottle of wine of 75 centiliters. The average weight of each cluster is 250 grams, therefore, about four clusters are needed to make a bottle of wine.