While wine has many fans, not everyone is familiar with how the beverage is made. It is common knowledge that wine is made from grapes. However, table grapes, which is the variety we consume and buy as fruit, are not the ones that are used to make wine.
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Table grapes are grown primarily for fresh consumption. They are bred to be larger, sweeter, and more palatable when eaten raw. They have a crisp texture that makes them enjoyable to eat as a snack or in salads. They are designed to be visually appealing and delicious when eaten fresh. Common table grape varieties include Thompson Seedless, Red Globe, and Concord.
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Wine grapes on the other hand are specifically grown for making wine. There are thousands of grape varieties used in winemaking, each with its unique characteristics. Some of the most famous wine grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Riesling.
These grapes are known for their ability to produce wines with distinct flavours, aromas, and ageing potentials. They have a high sugar content, which is essential for fermentation, and a complex balance of acids, tannins, and flavours that develop into the nuanced taste profiles found in different types of wine.
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These grapes are typically smaller, have thicker skins, and contain more seeds than table grapes. The presence of seeds and thick skins is crucial for winemaking as they contribute to the colour, flavour, and structure of the wine. Wine grapes are rarely eaten fresh due to their intense flavour and high acidity. There are also differences in how the two are grown.
Cultivation and Growing Conditions
The cultivation of wine grapes is a precise science, as the quality of the grapes directly affects the quality of the wine. Wine grapes are typically grown in specific regions k, where the climate, soil, and geography are ideal for viticulture. These regions often have well-drained soils, moderate climates, and specific temperature variations that help develop the complex flavours in the grapes.
Many people find it surprising that wine grapes are often grown in less fertile soils. This is done so that the vines are forced to work harder and produce more concentrated grapes. The vines are usually pruned to ensure that they produce fewer but higher-quality clusters of grapes. The cultivation process also involves careful management of water, as too much water can dilute the flavours in the grapes, while too little can cause stress to the vines.
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Table grapes are grown with the primary goal of producing large, attractive, and sweet grapes. They are usually cultivated in more fertile soils and require more water than wine grapes. The growing process focuses on maximising the size and appearance of the grapes rather than concentrating their flavours. They are also more likely to be grown in warmer climates, where the longer growing season allows for the development of large, juicy berries.
Harvesting The Grapes
Wine grapes are harvested at the peak of ripeness, which is determined by the sugar, acid, and tannin levels in the fruit. The timing of the harvest is critical, as it influences the wine's flavour profile, alcohol content, and overall balance. Once harvested, wine grapes are quickly transported to the winery, where they are crushed to extract the juice. The skins, seeds, and sometimes stems are often included in the fermentation process, particularly for red wines, to impart colour, tannins, and additional flavour.
The fermentation process converts the sugars in the grapes into alcohol, with the yeast playing a crucial role in determining the final flavour of the wine. After fermentation, some wines are aged in barrels to develop further complexity before being bottled and sold. Table grapes are harvested when they are fully ripe and at their sweetest.
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Unlike wine grapes, they are handled with great care to avoid bruising and to maintain their appearance and freshness. Table grapes are harvested by hand and are quickly cooled to preserve their quality. They are then packed and transported to markets, where they are sold for fresh consumption. Table grapes do not undergo fermentation or any significant processing.
India’s diverse climates and soils have allowed both wine and table grapes to flourish, each in their respective regions. While Maharashtra remains the heart of both industries, other states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab also play significant roles in table grape production. The wine industry is more concentrated in specific regions such as Nashik and Nandi Hills, while table grape cultivation is spread across a wider area, driven by the demand for fresh fruit both within India and for export.