As a wine enthusiast, I have always been fascinated by the art of winemaking. With the growing trend of craft wine, it is no surprise that more people are starting to appreciate the craft and complexity of this type of wine. In this article, I will explore the advantages of craft wine, what it is, how it differs from commercial wine, how to choose the right one, and where to find it.
Introduction to Craft Wine
Craft wine is a term used to describe wine that is crafted mainly by hand in small batches. This type of wine is made using traditional methods and techniques, and the grapes used are often grown naturally or bio-dynamically using sustainable methods. The focus is on quality rather than quantity, with an emphasis on creating unique and complex flavours.
What is Craft Wine?
Craft wine is made by independent winemakers who are passionate about their craft. They use traditional methods to produce wine that is not mass-produced. The grapes used are often grown in small vineyards, and the winemakers carefully monitor the entire process, from the selection of grapes to the bottling of the wine.
Craft wine is often made using natural or biodynamic methods, which means that the grapes are grown with little use of pesticides or fertilisers (and if used, they are generally natural products). This reduces the impact on the environment and produces grapes that are healthier and have unique flavours and aromas.
The Rise of Craft Wine
The rise of craft wine can be attributed to the growing demand for high-quality, unique, and authentic products. Consumers are looking for products that are made with care and attention to detail, and artisanal wine ticks all the boxes.
Craft wine is also a response to the mass-production of wine, which has led to a homogenisation of taste. Craft winemakers are breaking away from this trend by creating wines that are distinctive and individual.
Advantages of Craft Wine
One of the main advantages of artisanal wine is the quality. Because it is made in small batches, the winemakers have more control over the process, which means that the wine is of a higher quality. The grapes used are often hand-picked, which ensures that only the best grapes are used.
Craft wine also has a unique flavour profile. This is because the winemakers use traditional methods and techniques, so the wine has a complexity and depth of flavour that cannot be found in commercial wine. Each wine is unique, which means that you will never get the same taste from a mass-produced wine.
Another advantage of craft wine is that it is often made using natural or biodynamic methods. This means that the grapes are grown with no synthetic pesticides, fertilisers of additives, which is better for the environment and produces healthier grapes.
Craft Wine vs. Commercial Wine - What's the Difference?
The main difference between craft wine and commercial wine is the scale of production. Commercial wine is made in large quantities, using modern equipment and techniques. The focus is on quality; producing wine that is consistent in taste and quality.
craft wine, on the other hand, is made in small batches, using traditional methods and techniques. The focus is on quality rather than quantity, and the winemaker has more control over the process which is better for the environment and produces healthier grapes.
How to Choose the Right Craft Wine
Choosing the right artisanal wine can be challenging, especially if you are new to the world of craft wine. Here are some tips to help you choose the right one:
- Research the winemaker - look for winemakers who are passionate about their craft and use traditional methods to produce wine.
- Look for unique flavours - craft wine is all about creating unique and complex flavours. Look for wines that have interesting flavour profiles (hint: look for grape varieties, which are generally not found in mass-produced wines).
- Consider the grape variety - different grape varieties produce different flavours. Don’t be afraid to try wines made with grape varieties that you’ve never heard of.
Tasting Craft Wine Like a Pro
Tasting craft wine is an experience that should be savoured. Here are some tips to help you taste wine like a pro:
- Look at the color - the colour can give you an indication of the age and style of the wine.
- Smell the wine - the aroma can give you an indication of the flavour and complexity of the wine.
- Taste the wine - take a small sip and let it sit on your tongue for a few seconds. Swirl it around in your mouth to get a sense of the flavour profile.
- In general, try and enjoy the experience. Craft wines are created to be full of flavour and have uniques tastes, so enjoy them.
Where to Find Craft Wine
Craft wine can be found in specialty wine shops, online retailers, and at wine festivals. Look for winemakers who are passionate about their craft and use traditional methods to produce wine. You can also ask for recommendations from friends and family who are wine enthusiasts. However, as craft wines buck the trend in the wine sector, it’s not always easy to find them in a traditional wine shops.
Conclusion
Craft wine is a unique and complex product that offers many advantages over commercial wine. It is made using traditional methods and techniques, and the focus is on quality rather than quantity. When choosing a craft wine, consider the winemaker, the flavour profile, and the grape variety. Remember to savour the experience and enjoy your glass. With these tips, you can enjoy the world of craft wine and discover unique and flavourful wines and break away from the bland flavours of mass-produced wines found on supermarket shelves.