Collection: Wein & Schaumwein kaufen

Before Buying Wine: The History of Wine

Before you simply buy just any wine in the shop, you should also delve a little into its history. Wine was already being cultivated in parts of Asia as early as the 6th century BC. Georgia and present-day Armenia are often mentioned as countries of origin.

Wine played not only a central role in agriculture but also in culture and society. In many ancient myths, deities such as Dionysus, Bacchus, and Osiris represented the noble drink, which was used for both religious rituals and festivities.

Wine also plays a significant role in the Bible. In Christianity, it symbolizes the blood of Christ, while in Judaism, it is an essential part of the Sabbath and Passover celebration. In art, wine was often depicted as a symbol of joy of life and transience. Dionysus, the god of wine, stands for ecstasy and freedom, and many cultures worshipped him as a symbol of abundance and renewal.

Whether as part of religious ceremonies or as a drink at festivities – wine is deeply rooted in human culture and remains an important part of many celebrations today.

Oenology

Oenology, also known as cellar management, refers to the field of study of wine production and deals with pressing, maturation, and the entire scope of winemaking. Through these many different maturation processes, which can sometimes last for several decades, wines are biochemically preserved. This is how the most diverse and aromatic wines that we can buy in many places are created.

Components of Wine

The basic components of wine include water, acid, and sugar. The sugar is converted into alcohol during fermentation, leaving behind a residual sugar content. Additionally, phenols (colorants) are contained, which influence color, smell, texture, and taste, as well as tannins (astringents), which are responsible for the bitter taste. Tannins and acids also act as preservatives, which is why the wine we buy is so long-lasting.

Viticulture

Viticulture has developed over millennia and is closely linked to the culture of many regions around the world. The first beginnings were around 6000 BC in the Near East, particularly in Georgia and Armenia, where the first grapevines were cultivated. In ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, viticulture gained importance, and the Romans spread their viticultural knowledge throughout Europe, laying the foundation for many of today's wine regions.

In the Middle Ages, monks in monasteries played a decisive role in preserving and refining viticulture, especially in France, Germany, and Italy. They developed innovative cultivation methods that are still important today.

With the Industrial Revolution and modern techniques, such as controlling fermentation and combating vine diseases, viticulture was further perfected. Today, vineyards stretch from the sun-drenched slopes of the Mediterranean to cooler regions like the Rhine Valley. Viticulture combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations and reflects the cultural heritage and geographical characteristics of each region.

Buying and storing wine

The higher the tannin content, the longer the wine you buy will last. However, this also means that the wine needs this development time. A wine that is suitable for storage will only become smoother and softer over the years, as only then do the structures of the tannins change in such a way that larger molecular complexes, i.e. sediment, sink to the bottom of the bottle. A few other influencing factors such as sulfides, acidity and alcohol content also affect the storage potential. The easiest way to store wine is a wine refrigerator. However, it is also possible to store wine without a wine refrigerator, according to the following guidelines: Wine should be stored in the coolest place in the apartment or house. It should be dark and possibly slightly damp - between 60 and 80 percent humidity is optimal. If the humidity deviates from this, it can lead to a reduced shelf life. The cork can dry out, which makes the wine more susceptible to oxidation or causes mold to form on the cork. If you want to store wine, it should not be exposed to excessive temperature fluctuations. The temperature should be between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius. The more constant the temperature, the longer the wine will last. The perfect temperature for individual wines can vary and is individually different. However, it should never fall below 0 degrees Celsius, as this can lead to the wine freezing. A temperature above 20 degrees Celsius is equally harmful; it accelerates the aging process and can, under certain circumstances, lead to cork taint in the wine. If the storage location is a few degrees too warm, the wine should be drunk within a few years of bottling. When you place your order and package, we pay particular attention to damage-free delivery. We want you to be able to buy only top quality wines from us. Furthermore, the influence of light sources during storage must be considered. Wines should be stored away from light sources. This includes direct sunlight as well as fluorescent lights. Wines with natural corks should be stored horizontally, as the cork thus remains continuously in contact with the liquid and cannot dry out. After this information, you should be well-equipped to start your search for your perfect wine! Feel free to visit our wine shop and find the most diverse types of wine, directly from us, on our website.

The Quality System in Germany and Europe: Pay Attention When Buying Wine

Since August 1, 2009, an EU wine market regulation has been in place to govern the quality of wines. This regulation introduced a system based on origin rather than sugar content, which previously determined the quality hierarchy. This ensures that you can only purchase the best wines in the respective countries. The EU has two main designations: wines without and wines with a designation of origin. For wines with a designation of origin, there are two further quality levels: Firstly, a wine with a protected geographical indication. This is assigned to a specific geographical region, such as the Rhine. Secondly, there is the wine that is of higher quality and subject to strict production rules, meaning it bears a protected designation of origin. This designates an area, a place, or a specific site, which are indicators of quality and taste. In Germany, for example, two further quality levels are distinguished. These are strictly regulated and monitored. These include "Qualitätswein" (quality wine), which is produced in specific wine-growing regions and uses regionally approved grape varieties, and "Prädikatswein" (predicate wine), where the grapes must have a certain minimum must weight. The weight increases with the sugar content, which rises with advancing ripening and harvest. The first three quality levels allow for enrichment with sugar, which in turn increases the alcohol content. In technical jargon, this is called chaptalization. This is not allowed for "Prädikatswein."

Types of Wine and Their Production

This alcoholic beverage is widely distributed in Austria and worldwide. The word "Wein" (wine) is derived from similar Arabic, Latin, and Greek terms. These terms have been widely used in the Mediterranean region for centuries. Worldwide, there are approximately 16,000 grape varieties, and you can buy six basic types of wine:

• Red wine
• White wine
• Rosé wine
• Sparkling wine (Champagne)
• Semi-sparkling wine (Prosecco)
• Dessert wine (e.g., Port wine)

On delicando, you will find everything from white wine, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine to semi-sparkling wine and champagne, that makes a wine sommelier's heart beat faster. The different types of wine are explained in more detail in the respective wine categories.

Wine Forgeries and Their Detection: A Growing Problem

Wine forgeries are a serious problem in the wine industry, which is increasingly being addressed through technical advances in forgery detection. In 2018, there were several high-profile global scandals where fine wines were counterfeited and blended with inferior products. The case of "The Billionaire's Vinegar" became particularly well-known, in which supposedly valuable Bordeaux wines were exposed as fakes.

Modern methods for detecting wine forgeries include isotope analysis, which examines the ratio of oxygen and carbon isotopes in the wine to verify its origin and age. DNA analysis of the grapes and the wine itself also allows for precise determination of the origin. Another method is chemical fingerprint analysis, which uses special equipment to check the composition of wines.

The wine industry is increasingly investing in such technologies to prevent counterfeiting and secure consumer trust. The fight against wine forgeries remains a central issue, especially given the growing demand for expensive, rare wines.

Buying Wine: The Color Spectrum of Wine

The color of wine is determined by several factors. Wine gets its specific color from the grape variety, the production process, and its age. In most cases, it is actually not the juice that determines the color, but the grape skins. These are fermented together with the juice. This is called maceration. The color intensity of the wine can be individually changed by pressing and circulating the mash. In this way, you can later buy wines of different colors. The color spectrum of red wine, for example, ranges from light pink to bluish black. The nuances of rosé wine can range from salmon to cherry, and the shades of white wine range from colorless to yellowish-brown. Particularly warm regions such as Australia, Italy and Spain usually produce darker red wines than colder regions such as Germany or New Zealand. A younger, dry white wine tends to have a lighter to colorless hue, while late harvest wines, dessert wines, and older wines, on the other hand, show color peculiarities from golden yellow to amber. Have you ever noticed the luster when buying wine? This can roughly indicate the acidity. The more it sparkles, the more acidity it contains. However, the duller it appears, the older and more mature it is. If the wine is cloudy, it may be of inferior quality and possibly no longer enjoyable.

Buying wine made easy: An overview of additional designations

Cuvée: If you buy a wine from us that bears this designation, it can have several meanings. These differ according to country and product. In the production of the sparkling wine Champagne, Cuvée means the first and best pressing. In Germany, the term refers to the blending of several grape varieties from one vintage. In southern countries, it is a common way to produce wine. However, it is also becoming increasingly popular in Germany, as it offers the winemaker the opportunity to blend different grape varieties in an optimal ratio. Riserva: This term is used when you buy Italian wines. It refers to Italian wines that have matured first in wooden barrels and then possibly in bottles. In Spain, it is common to age wines in wooden barrels, which gives rise to three classifications: A wine with the addition Crianza matured for 24 months in a bottle or a barrel, of which at least six months must have taken place in the barrel and twelve in the bottle. Reserva wines mature for one year in a barrel and two further years in a bottle. And Gran Reserva wines mature for two years in the barrel and three years in a bottle. Wines with the addition Vino joven, Cosechero or Vino de año do not mature in barrels in Spain and should not be stored for longer than one year. They are therefore produced for early consumption.

Pairing Wine and Food:

• Spicy Food: For sharply spiced dishes, like Indian or Thai cuisine, an aromatic and fruity white wine like Riesling is an excellent choice. It is refreshing and balances the spice.
• Grilled or Seared Meat: For heavily seared or grilled meat, a full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, is suitable. The tannins in the red wine harmonize with the intense flavor of the meat.
• Fish and Seafood: For fish dishes, especially fatty varieties like salmon or tuna, a dry white wine like Chardonnay or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc is recommended.
• Desserts: For desserts, you should opt for sweet wines, such as a Sauternes or Tokaji. These wines ideally complement the sweetness and flavors of cakes, chocolates, or fruits.
• Cheese: For mild cheeses like Brie or goat cheese, a fruity white wine is suitable, while for strong blue cheese or aged cheddar, a full-bodied red wine is ideal.

Tips for Wine Tasting:

1. See: Observe the wine in good lighting to assess its color and clarity. White wines should be bright and clear, while red wines can have a deeper, ruby red to purple hue.
2. Smell: Swirl the glass lightly to release the aromas. A good wine should have a complex bouquet with fruity, floral, or spicy notes.
3. Taste: Sip the wine, let it roll over your tongue, and pay attention to the balance between sweetness, acidity, tannins (in red wine), and body. A well-balanced wine leaves a long, pleasant finish.
4. Air: Let the wine breathe a little, especially young red wines, to fully develop the aromas. Use a decanter if necessary.

Further notes:

• Acidity: Acidic wines, like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc, pair well with fatty or acidic dishes (e.g., salads, fish in lemon sauce).
• Temperature: Pay attention to the correct serving temperature. White wine should be served well chilled (8–12°C), red wine a bit warmer (14–18°C).
• Red Wine and White Wine: Red wine is more suitable for heavier, spicier dishes, while white wine harmonizes with lighter meals, such as poultry or seafood.

By following these tips, you can not only buy the perfect wine but also make your next wine tasting an unforgettable experience. Experiment with different combinations and discover your own favorite pairings!

Conclusion on buying wine

The topic "buying wine" is a fascinating and complex field that delights both novices and connoisseurs alike. The world of wine offers an almost endless variety of types, colors, and aromas to discover. Whether as an accompaniment to a festive meal, a cozy evening drink, or simply for relaxation – wine suits every occasion and can wonderfully enhance the mood. Ultimately, buying wine is not just an investment in a drink, but also in an experience. It is the opportunity to discover new taste worlds, embark on culinary adventures, and share valuable moments with friends and family. In addition to wine, we also offer a large selection of rum, whiskey, gin, or liqueurs.