Wine culture has a rich history and tradition spanning centuries. Buying wine and sparkling wine is not only an act of enjoyment, but also a journey through different regions, terroirs and winemaking processes. From the sun-drenched vineyards of Europe to the exotic wine-growing regions of the New World, the market offers a wealth of aromatic experiences for wine lovers of all tastes.
Before you buy just any wine in the store, you should also learn a little about its history. Wine was already being cultivated in parts of Asia in the 6th century BC. Georgia and modern-day Armenia are often mentioned as countries of origin.
Wine not only played 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 drop, which was used for both religious rituals and celebrations.
Wine also plays an important 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 celebrations. In art, wine has often been depicted as a symbol of joie de vivre 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 festivals, wine is deeply rooted in human culture and remains an important part of many celebrations today.
Enology, also known as cellar management, refers to the field of study of wine production and deals with pressing, aging and the entire scope of winemaking. Through these many different aging processes, some of which can last for several decades, the wines are biochemically preserved. In this way, the most diverse aromatic wines are created, which we can buy in many places.
The basic components of wine include water, acid and sugar. The sugar is converted into alcohol during fermentation, leaving a residual sugar content. It also contains phenols (colorants), which affect color, odor, texture and taste, and tannins (tannins), which are responsible for the bitter taste. Tannins and acids also have a preservative effect, which is what makes the wine we buy last so long.
Viticulture has developed over thousands of years and is closely linked to the culture of many regions of the world. The first beginnings date back to 6000 BC in the Near East, particularly in Georgia and Armenia, where the first vines were cultivated. Viticulture gained importance in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, and the Romans spread their knowledge of viticulture throughout Europe, laying the foundations for many of today's wine regions.
In the Middle Ages, monks in monasteries played a crucial 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 such as the Rhine Valley. Viticulture combines traditional craftsmanship with modern innovations and reflects the cultural heritage and geographical characteristics of each region.
Terroir is the term used to describe the factors given by nature to influence a specific location and their effect on the plants grown, in this case the vines. These include climatic conditions, solar energy, the shape of the terrain, the composition of the soil and its moisture. A complex interplay of these factors has a significant effect on the development of the vines and their grapes, and ultimately on the wine you choose to buy.
The composition of the soil has a significant impact on the characteristics and quality of the wine. Soils with a high percentage of limestone produce wines with particular delicacy and good conditions for aging. While a high percentage of clay in the soil produces heavy wines, a high percentage of gravel accelerates grape ripening, so that the finished wines can be ready for purchase more quickly. Balanced moisture levels can prove extremely important during periods of low and high rainfall. The microclimate of the region also plays a crucial role. In cooler wine growing areas, this relates to sun exposure and distance from water reservoirs. In order for you to end up buying the ideal wine, an optimal environment for the grape varieties is required.
The cultivation of grape varieties by means of crossbreeding and selection has also been worked out in the course of the long development of viticulture. In this process, crossbreeding was created by nature and also by man, which is why today we can buy a huge variety of different wines. Depending on the location and climate, certain grape varieties can develop better or worse. In order to select the most suitable grape varieties, a special intuition and knowledge of the winemakers is necessary. In the European Union there are certain legally approved grape varieties, which must be strictly observed.
Around 100 grape varieties of the approximately 16,000 existing are cultivated in Germany. Riesling, Müller-Thurgau and the Blaue Spätburgunder are some well-known examples of wines that you can buy here. The largest wine-growing region in Germany is in Rheinhessen. White grapes are grown on 64.2 percent of the vineyards and red grapes on the other 35.8 percent. About 44 percent of the wine consumed by Germans comes from Germany. Today, there are about 13 wine-growing regions in Germany.
The higher the content of tannins, the longer the wine you buy will keep. But at the same time this means that the wine needs this development time. So, a wine that can be stored will only become smoother and softer over the years, because only then will the structures of the tannins change so 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 storage potential. The simplest way to store wine is in a wine refrigerator. However, without a wine refrigerator, it is also possible to store wine according to the following guidelines: It should be stored in the coolest place in the apartment or house. It should be dark and possibly somewhat humid - 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, making the wine more susceptible to oxidation or allowing mold to form on the cork. If you want to store wine, then 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 keep. The perfect temperature for each wine can vary and is individual. However, it should never get below 0 degrees Celsius, because this can lead to freezing of the wine. Equally harmful is a temperature above 20 degrees Celsius, it accelerates the aging process and can possibly lead to cork in the wine. If it is a few degrees too warm at the place of storage, then the wine should be drunk within a few years of bottling. With your order and the packaging we pay special attention to a 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 taken into account. 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 this keeps the cork continuously in contact with the liquid and prevents drying out. After this information, you should be equipped to start looking for your perfect wine! Feel free to visit our wine store and find the most diverse varieties of wine, directly from us, on our website.
Wine is one of the most important cultural assets of many countries, including Austria. No other beverage reflects the diversity of Austria's landscape as much as wine does: from tart to fresh, from fruity to heavy, and from creamy to sparkling, just about anything goes. Whether red, white or rosé - in the delicando Wine Shop you can buy wines from all over the world. Also sparkling wines may not be missing with us of course. In our wine store you will find a huge selection of champagne, sparkling wine and prosecco.
Since 01.08.2009 there is an EU wine market regulation for the regulation of the quality of the wines. With this regulation a system was introduced, which is related to the origin instead of the sugar content, which determined before the quality hierarchy. This ensures that you can buy only the best wines in the relevant countries. The EU has two main designations: These would be, on the one hand, wines without and, on the other hand, wines with indication of origin. In the case of wines with indication of origin, there are two other levels of quality: First, a wine that has a protected geographical indication. This is associated with a specific land region, such as the Rhine. Secondly, there is the wine that is of higher quality and is subject to strict rules during production, i.e. has a protected designation of origin. This designates a region, place or location, which are indicators of quality and taste. In Germany, for example, there are two other levels of quality. These are strictly regulated and tested. These include quality wine, which is produced in certain wine-growing regions and uses regionally approved grape varieties, and Prädikat wine, for which the grapes must have a certain minimum must weight. The weight increases due to the sugar content, which increases with advancing maturation and harvest. The first three quality levels allow enrichment by sugar, which in turn increases the alcohol content. In technical jargon, this is called chaptalization. This is not permitted in the case of Prädikat wine.
The alcoholic beverage is widespread both in Austria and around the world. The word “wine” is derived from similar Arabic, Latin and Greek terms. These terms have been widely used in the Mediterranean region for centuries. There are around 16,000 grape varieties worldwide and you can buy six basic types of wine:
On delicando you will find everything from white wine, red wine, rosé wine, sparkling wine to semi-sparkling wine and champagne to make the wine sommelier's heart beat faster. The different types of wine are explained in more detail in the respective wine categories.
The grapes are mechanically or manually freed from their stems and then crushed, resulting in a thick mixture of pulp, skin, juice and seeds, called mash. It is left to rest for a few hours, after which it is pressed, thus producing the must. This is next sulfurized to counteract spoilage and then poured into fermentation tanks. There, after the addition of certain yeast cultures, fermentation takes place, converting sugar into alcohol. Once the fermentation process is complete, the wine is separated from the yeast. Some are then aged for months in steel tanks or in wooden barrels before we can buy the wines in stores.
The difference lies mainly in the order of the operations. In red wine, it is not the must that is fermented, but the mash. The grape skin gives the wine its red color. After fermentation is complete, the red wine is pressed and then aged. Then it is stored, bottled and transported to wine stores & co, where enthusiasts prefer to buy their wine.
Rosé wines are produced by subjecting red wine grapes to the process of white wine production. In addition, the mash is left to stand for a while, which allows the rosé to take on pigments from the grape skins, giving it its characteristic color. The rosé wine is especially popular with women because of its beautiful color, but also because of its smooth taste.
Sparkling and semi-sparkling wines are known for their sparkling freshness and refreshing taste. The production of these wines differs from conventional wine in the process of carbonation.
Sparkling wine is produced using the so-called “Méthode Champenoise” or “bottle fermentation”. The second fermentation takes place directly in the bottle. After the first fermentation, sugar and yeast are added to the wine to produce the carbon dioxide. The bottle is sealed and left for several months or years to allow the bubbles to form. Champagne is a well-known representative of this method.
Semi-sparkling wine, on the other hand, has less pressure and less carbon dioxide. It is often produced by “tank fermentation”, in which the carbon dioxide is produced in large tanks before the wine is bottled. This method is quicker and cheaper, and the semi-sparkling wine has a lighter effervescence than sparkling wine.
Both wines offer a sparkling experience, with sparkling wine providing a more intense fizz and semi-sparkling wine a smoother, lighter taste.
Wine counterfeiting is a serious problem in the wine industry that is increasingly being addressed by technological advances in counterfeit detection. In 2018, there were several high-profile scandals around the world in which fine wines were counterfeited and mixed with inferior products. The case of “The Billionaire's Vinegar”, in which allegedly valuable Bordeaux wines were exposed as counterfeits, became particularly well known.
Modern methods for detecting wine counterfeiting include isotope analysis, in which the ratio of oxygen and carbon isotopes in the wine is examined to verify origin and age. DNA analysis of the grapes and the wine itself also makes it possible to precisely determine 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 ensure consumer confidence. The fight against wine counterfeiting remains a key issue, especially in view of the growing demand for expensive, rare wines.
The color of wine comes from several factors. Wine gets its particular color from the grape variety, the production process and the 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 mash. The color intensity of the wine can be changed individually by punching down and turning over the mash. In this way, you can later buy the different colored wines. For example, the color spectrum of red wine ranges from light pink to blue black. The nuances of rosé wine can range from salmon to cherry, and the hues of white wine range from colorless to yellow-brown. Particularly warm regions such as Australia, Italy and Spain tend to produce darker red wines than colder regions such as Germany or New Zealand. A younger, dry white wine tends to carry a lighter to colorless hue, while late selections, dessert wines and older wines, on the other hand, have color characteristics ranging from yellow gold to amber. Have you ever noticed the shine when buying wine? From this, the acidity can be roughly determined. The more it sparkles, the more acid it contains. However, the duller it appears, the older and more mature it is. However, if the wine is cloudy, it may be inferior and possibly unpalatable.
As a rule, on a wine label when buying wine you will find the following information: The name of the wine, the grape varieties used, the vintage, the origin (country, winemaker, winery and bottler), the grade, the alcohol content, the bottled quantity, the official examination number (AP-NR) and any additives, i.e. allergy information. The official examination number is intended to serve as a guide. Labels of quality wines guarantee that the wine is sensory perfect. The last two digits indicate the year of bottling. On our website you can filter by some information such as brand name, country of origin, category, grape variety, region of origin, residual sugar, vintage, accessories, content, rating, taste and characteristics to get an overview when buying wine.
Cuvée: If you buy a wine from us that has this addition, it can have several meanings. They differ by country and product. In the production of sparkling wine Champagne, cuvée means the first and best pressing. In Germany, the term means the blending of several grape varieties of one vintage. In countries in the south, it is a common way of making wine. However, it is also increasingly used in Germany, because it offers the possibility for the winemaker to blend different grape varieties in optimal proportions. Riserva: This term is used when you buy Italian wines. It refers to Italian wines that have been aged first in wooden barrels and then possibly in bottles. In Spain, it is customary to age wines in wooden barrels, which leads to three classifications: a wine labeled Crianza aged for 24 months in a bottle or 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 more years in a bottle. And Gran Reserva wines age for two years in barrel and three years in bottle. Wines labeled Vino joven, Cosechero or Vino de año do not age in barrel in Spain and must not be kept for more than one year. Thus, they are produced for early consumption.
The wine labels of our wines, through which you can browse in our wine store, give an indication of taste and aroma. After buying wine, there is the easy option of simply tasting it. However, professionals, for example, additionally test the wine by determining the color, looking at the texture by swirling, inhaling the smell of the aromas, testing the taste, and thereby analyzing and evaluating the overall package. Practice makes perfect.
Depending on the food we enjoy with our wines, we perceive the aromas of the wine and the food differently. Thus, for example, there are different sweet wines to buy. They can be differentiated by the sugar content per liter. Dry wines contain four to nine grams of residual sugar per liter. Semi-dry wines contain 12 to 18 grams, sweet wines 18 to 45 and sweet wines contain more than 45 grams of residual sugar per liter. In addition, wines are described as mild or feinherb. Mild means sweet with low acidity, whereas feinherb is a fashionable term for semi-dry.
You can find in our wine store, where you can buy all kinds of wine, for each of our wines the description of all the necessary information that is important for the wine. This also applies to the recommended drinking temperature. This is so important, because only at an appropriate temperature all the flavor aromas of the wine can fully develop. Therefore, most wine connoisseurs recommend the following general drinking temperatures: white wine: 8°C - 14°C rosé wine: 10°C - 14°C red wine: 12°C - 18°C chambrating red wine means slowly warming it up to room temperature.
Decanting means decanting or pouring off. When you buy wines that have generally been stored for a long time, a sediment forms at the bottom over time, which tastes bitter and can cloud the enjoyment of the wine. It is then recommended to decant, with the aim of separating the wine from the sediment (also called deposit). Instead of decanting, it is also possible to carafe. The aim of this is to aerate the wine in order to improve the aroma.
The right container, ambience, cork and wine glasses are just as much a part of a good wine and the right temperature. Wine connoisseurs use bulbous, large wine goblets for red wines as opposed to slender wine glasses for white wines, champagne flutes for sparkling wines and small wine glasses for dessert wines. In addition to visual reasons, the shape of the wine glass should support the development of the aromas and the mouth of the glass should influence the position of the head when drinking. Thus, the perception is controlled by the tongue. On our website delicando you can buy our wine. In addition, the appropriate wine accessories such as sparkling wine and wine glasses, corkscrews, wine thermometers and more are still just as available there.
Wine consumption can have both health benefits and risks. Red wine in particular is said to have a number of positive effects when consumed in moderate amounts. A study by the Harvard School of Public Health showed that moderate alcohol consumption, particularly red wine, can reduce the risk of heart attacks in women by up to 30 percent. The antioxidants it contains, particularly resveratrol and flavonoids, have an anti-inflammatory effect, protect the blood vessels and can regulate blood pressure. Resveratrol, which comes from the skin of red grapes, is also associated with an improved metabolism and a longer lifespan. Red wine is also said to increase “good” HDL cholesterol levels by up to 12 percent.
As with all stimulants, the quantity is crucial. Moderate consumption, defined as around 125 ml of wine per day for women and 250 ml for men, is considered safe. However, excessive consumption can pose risks. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that alcohol consumption is responsible for around 3 million deaths worldwide each year, with the risks associated with excessive consumption including liver disease, an increased risk of cancer and heart problems.
Interestingly, there are studies that show that people in regions with regular, moderate wine consumption, such as in the Mediterranean diet, tend to have a longer life expectancy. Here, wine is often combined with a balanced diet, which increases the health benefits.
So the trick is to enjoy wine consciously and responsibly. In this way, you can discover the cultural and taste facets of the noble drop and at the same time benefit from its potential health advantages.
These days, almost anything goes when buying wine - it's all about creating a harmonious pairing between food and wine. Experts recommend that you follow a few basic rules when choosing wine for certain dishes in order to maximize the taste experience.
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 pairings and discover new flavors.
The topic of “buying wine” is a fascinating and multi-layered area that inspires both newcomers 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, as a cozy after-work drink or simply to relax - wine suits every occasion and can underline the mood in a wonderful way. Ultimately, buying wine is not just an investment in a drink, but also in an experience. It is an opportunity to discover new worlds of taste, experience culinary adventures and share precious moments with friends and family. Besides wine we also have a great variety of rum, whisky, gin and liqueurs.
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