Wine Grapes and the New World
The history of wine grapes dates back to thousands of years in the past when they were cultivated in the region now called Europe about 6000 years ago. Today, grapes are grown in more than 50 countries across the globe for the purpose of winemaking. In America, wine grapes were introduced by Franciscan monks, about 200 years ago, used to make sacramental wine out of them. However, it was not until 40 years later when the first vineyard was planted after significant growth in population.
Variety and Quality of Wine Grapes
Wine grapes vary widely in their variety and quality and are usually distinguishes from one another according to the region in which they grow. Factors like soil, climate, sunlight, and the surrounding vegetation influence the quality of grapes. Broadly, they can be classified on the basis of color as red, blue, and white grapes, the latter actually being pale green in color. The general requirements for wine grapes include a sufficiently lit location, fertile soil that can thoroughly drain, moderately warm temperature, and a fair distance from the surrounding vegetation, especially from large trees as well as from the reach of swarms of birds and insects. Also, grapes rely heavily on water and therefore it is important to provide some reticulation or keep the water supply up to the plants, especially at the times of first plantation and when the plants start fruiting. Pruning the plantation area regularly also plays an important role in providing quality fruit.
New World Wine Grapes
New World wine grapes include those grown in Australia, New Zealand, North America, South America, and South Africa. Most of these come from the southern hemisphere. Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Semillon are the most famous varieties grown in Australia and New Zealand. In North America, almost all famous varieties, and most not-so-famous types also, are grown in the US state of California. Zinfandel, regarded as California’s own grape, is the most popular variety of grapes used for winemaking in the United States. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the four primary kinds of wine grapes grown abundantly in South America, especially in Chile. The largest producer of grapes used for winemaking in South America is Argentina and its variety of grapes reflects its diverse population. In South Africa, Cabernet Sauvignon is the most widely planted variety of grapes. The cultivation of other varieties is increasingly being encouraged and strategies are being formulated to get around the irrigation problem for vineyards in South Africa.
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