Red Zinfandel Is An American Classic

The winery industry can be categorized into red and white wine segments. The red wine segment, measured by tonnage of varietals crushed, has grown at a compounded annual rate of 4.7% for 10 years from 1989 to 1998, and a year over year growth rate of 8.2% from 1998 to 1999. Judging by the strong growth rate experienced in the red wine segment, it is reasonable to conclude that the red wine segment is in the growth phase of the life cycle model. In addition, production of red wine varietals which are relatively unknown such as syrah and sangiovese nearly doubled in a year from 1998 to 1999. The white wine segment, however, is at the mature phase of its life cycle as the segment shrunk slightly by 0.42% from 1998 to 1999. Overall, the industry is still at the growth stage lead by growth in the red wine segment.

The dynamics of the global wine industry are better understood through a brief history of wine as well as an overview of the wine making process. Some countries have longer historical and cultural ties with wine then others and that can affect the quality and perception of the product in the eyes of the consumer. Also, the conditions in which the wine grapes are raised and the processes used to make the wine can create a superior wine and therefore a competitive advantage.

Wine has been a popular beverage for many years amongst different societies. The process of winemaking is one of the most complex and detailed processes, where every step is meticulous towards ensuring the best quality wine is produced. However, different phenomena are able to affect the wine even after it is bottled and stored.

This northern California winescape is “dotted with Italian surnames that suggest traditional roots of pioneering viticulturists” (Helzer 49). For Italians, they adapted their “old-world winemaking traditions to new lands” (Helzer 49), and their success can be partially attributed to the “similarities in landscape, ecology, and climate between California and the rolling countryside of northwestern Italy” (Vaught 885). Furthermore, the success of these immigrants can be attributed to their plethora of access to social capital listed

In a deadly and morose short story by Edgar Allen Poe, “Cask of Amontillado”, Montresor leads Fortunato to his death through the bribe of a pipe of amontillado, a rare find during the height of carnival. Wine is very important to many traditions and cultures still today, and the winemaking process is considered by many to be a form of art (Stein 149-163). This beverage is produced through a complex, but structured, process broken down into several distinct steps that are affected by many variables, such as climate and location, tradition, and techniques evolved throughout human history. Most important to the process is the vine and the grape themselves. Without quality vines or grapes, the wine will suffer. The vineyard the wine is grown in and the environment it is immersed in is also extremely important to the grapes and vines, affecting many aspects of the wine. The grapes also contain tannins, a compound that contributes to the wine’s mouthfeel and flavor. The process by which the wine is produced is the final factor that decides whether a wine will be sought after or not. Tied in with this is the history, culture, world market, and traditions, which usually decides what wine will be produced in a location.

Much of California’s wine regions parallel in their respective histories. However, what sets Napa Valley apart is its rich collection of individual growers and producers dedicated to furthering the reputation of the region from the very beginning. Importantly, its unique location provides ecological serenity for the production of wine from its expansive variety of soils to the balancing effect of its climate.

Often I speak about vineyards that when you step through the tasting room doors it feels like you are home. At Mystic Hills Vineyard in Paso Robles you truly are in the home of the owners Joel and Judy Cox. Joel being highly successful in the movie industry as a film editor for the last 40 years and reaching retirement age, he and Judy decided to step into a family dream and pursue their passion of making wines. Both love the Paso Robles region and in 2004 Joel and Judy purchased 14 acres in King Ranch in San Miguel. Neither had experience in growing vines and making wines. But Joel being a perfectionist and with Judy managing the winery and actively taking courses at UC Davis and College of the Canyons to increase her knowledge of viticulture,

The vast majority of US wine consumers consider themselves uneducated in wine matters and have trouble remembering which wines they liked. Researches in consumer behavior have shown that people appear to be confused during the wine selection process. Customers have expressed that they want to be able to easily identify the wines they will enjoy without having to solicit personal assistance in the store. Many inexperienced wine drinkers feel confused about all the wine choices, especially the intricacies of foreign appellations. Producers need to design and label wines that consumers can better understand .

Once this land was glaciers, yet as they melted they left the perfect ridged, gravel soils to grown the most spectacular vineyards. The soil is rich and heavier there with the gravel mix, making for it to hold more

There are four distinct climate zones that have a huge influence on grape production; the Northern Blue Ridge Mountains (Tennessee Valley), the Valley and Ridge district, the Piedmont district, and South Georgia. North Georgia grape growers must take each of these climates into account when choosing which grapes to grow, because there are certain grapes that are prone to flourish in each of these various climate zones. There are also various different types of trellising for various grapes and elevation, the intense runoff from mountain hillsides has been something North Georgia grape growers have had to perfect in order to make the wine industry in North Georgia what it is today (Krewer).

When you are out shopping for a wine, you will see wines priced from a few dollars to thousands of dollars. The often asked question is, "can you taste the difference or are they really worth the added costs." Some people have a dollar limit on what they will spend for a wine where others will pay top dollar. The most important detail is to evaluate the wine based on one's own palate. The proper technique for evaluating a wine is as follows:

America is the fourth leading wine producer in the world, and California is the largest wine producing state. In 2010, about 90% of all American wine was made in California (Hannickle 1). There are over three thousand wineries, with some who are operating on a small scale. According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service, about 570,000 acres of land used for grapes are processed into wine (Grape Acreage Report 2013 Crop). Grapes used for winemaking are unique because they tend to be smaller in size and higher in sugar content. Some common

When people think of French gastronomy wine is an essential component of her culture. While it remains a one of many licit joys the French indulge in, this gluttony is an important image and offering to tourist. Although parts of France greatly rely on the production and manufacturing of wine more than the actual consumption, they still rather enjoy their wine. Oenology in itself is a very interesting study and takes the appreciation of the drink to a whole new level. French wine is much like the French themselves its well-dressed, elegant, never overpowering, and well behaved. Even on the topic of Oenology the variety and quality that France provides is incredible. Two well-known regions, Rhône and Bordeaux, produce the some famous wine names such as Côtes-du-Rhône and Château d 'Yquem. The Côtes-du-Rhône is more earthy and tends to be described as rustic while Château d’Yquem is a sweeter or dry wine, and also holds the record for most expensive wine bought at 117,000$. Avoiding great detail it’s easy to say that the difference starts in the soil that makes the grapes. In a way the wine can be seen as a model for modern production and food by promoting quality and variety, in other words, an optimistic point of view for French food. France is always advancing in food and wine production therefore it is a fair assumption that they will continue to grow together.

Nowadays, in the “Old World” countries of Europe, where the bulk of the volume is still produced, this is of great concern. However, consumers, especially younger drinkers, prefer the high quality wine from famous brands which are imported into Europe by the “New World” player, and the growth rate is at average10% per

• Bordeaux is a relatively humid region. Thus it is a place rife with diseases and other problems that afflict vines, compared with many of the world's other wine regions, such as dry Chile or Australia. • In Bordeaux, the pruning of the vine happens almost always as cane-pruning (as opposed to spur-pruning). There are two types of cane-pruning: guyot simple and guyot double. • The use of chemicals and fertilizers has