Hello! Welcome to Castle Glen!
I’m Ralph, and I’m back with the third in our blog of essays on the wonderous subject of wines!
Many of my customers have asked what difference does it make where a wine comes from. Let me tell you, it can make a BIG difference!
GRAPE GROWING.
There are several factors involved, ranging from location in the world, kind of soil present, average year-round rain fall, hours of sunlight, temperature, humidity, microclimate present, even the kinds and numbers of fungus found in the soil. All of this together is called “terroir”; and will determine what grapes can be grown in a given location.
Grape Nativity
Grapes are native to North and South America, Europe, Asia and Africa. They are not native to Antarctica (of course) or Australia, although there are two native fruit bearing vines that can be used to make wine. All other Australian grape wines are made from imported grape vines.
Wines are made in two belts north and south of the equator, from as far north as Norway (climate change at work!) and as far south as South Africa. The first known fermenters of grape juice were the ancient Egyptians, Chinese, and Mesopotamians, dating back about 4,000 years. However, archeologists tell us they have evidence of grape fermentation dating back nearly 8,000 years! Amazing, isn’t it?
Grapes seem to do best on hilly or sloped, well-drained sandy or limestone-based soils that face the rising sun.
That’s all for now, friends.
Next time, I’ll talk about some of the plant diseases that have affected the American and European (especially French) wine industries, And the effect of the European Union on those industries.
If you have a subject you’d like me to address, send us an email. Better yet, come down and see us. We’re only eight minutes from King’s Dominion, in Doswell, VA.
Sincerely,
Ralph
Your Friendly Neighborhood Wine Merchant
