Wine
... have a a lot of wonderful diversity in this region, they specialize in ‘crisp, dry whites and good-value fizz to thirst quenching rose, light and food-friendly reds, and world-ranking sweet wines. The overall theme of wines from this region is one of harmony and easy drink ability.’ (Wines of the World. Pg.151 Susan Keevil.) Unlike the Bordeaux region, The Loire’s wines are the majority white, 55% of the total volume while just 24% distribute red wine. The Others like Rose 14% and 7 % for sparkling wine. Two popular, grapes to make white wine in this region are Melon de Bourgogne grapes and Sauvignon Blanc. While Cabernet Franc is the red grape of this region to make red wine. One of my favorite wines from this region is the Cremant de Loire a sparkling white wine. Another wine region in France is The Rhone Valley. Northern Rhone only grows one grape variety, that grape variety is called Syrah. Unlike the North Rhone, the wines of Southern Rhone are more full bodied warm wines. A, grape variety that grows here is the Greenache grapes. I do not have a personal favorite of this region as it is to the best of my knowledge I never experiences wines from this region. Wine like most alcoholic beverages is not a natural drink and long gone our the simplistic ‘images’ that we have of cute white dressed school girls bare footed crushing on grapes on a sunny day. Wine is far more complex then that, grape juice can be a natural drink with nothing added, no preservatives just from the grape vine to the glass. Wine on the other hand like all other alcoholic beverages do not have to specify what ingredients or chemicals, additives or preservatives they use on the label. On the rare occasion only a few alcoholic beverages ‘beers’ mostly and even more rare for wines, will simply say no preservatives added on the label. Usually preservatives and additives are not a good thing when added to food as they are filled with chemicals and preservatives like MSG and BHT that are very bad for ones health. However with Wine it is very important that one uses some preservatives as the longer wine is kept untouched the better the taste. So one must preserve the taste of wine by the help of preservatives such as Tartaric acid, Calcium Carbonate, Tannin, Pectinase enzyme, Bentonite and Potassium sorbate. Tartaric acid HOOC-CH(OH)-CH(OH)-COO is added in wine because it plays an important role chemically, and lowering the PH of fermenting any bad bacteria that could result in premature bad tasting. “Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) is added in wine to lower acidity.” ( www.thehomebrewstore.com). “Tannim are present in wine stems and seeds and in the barrels used to age wines. Tannins can give a wine body; people sometimes describe these wines as “big.” When drunk young, high-tannin wines have a drying effect in your mouth. These wines can make it seem like your teeth have sweaters on them; the tannin is reacting with your saliva to create a compound that sticks to your teeth. Tannins are considered desirable in wines that are meant to be aged; over time, the tannins soften and add to the complexity of a well-aged red wine. For wines you intend to drink right away, too much tannin can be harsh.” ( www.http://www.exploratorium.edu/wine/tannin_activity.html) Pectinase enzyme is used for fermentation using fruit (Grapes for wine) to break down the fruit cell wall structure and removing pectin. While Bentonite sorbate is a fining agent that speeds clearing of wine by removing proteins that form pectin haze. While, Potassium Sorbate is used as a stabilizer also helps stop fermentation. Mood, emotional state and body weight can influence the effect of alcohol Drinking alcohol has been a large part of society for many years. People find that is it easier to meet people when they have had a few drinks. Drinking has also been used as way to get closer to some one. “We’ll talk over a six pack,” is something that people will say when they need to talk about something. There are also many events that drinking has created. There are cozy bars “where everyone knows your name,” wine tasting parties, cocktail parties, and the high school favourite, house party. People have also used many different types of glasses to drink out of. There are too many different types of wine glasses to count, different types of cocktail glasses, and different beer mugs. All of them having a different purpose and make the drinking experience better. Some people don’t drink in today’s society. There are health risks that come from excess drinking. Liver problems are the most common problems associated with drinking. Heart problems are also one of the top problems associated with drinking. Beer has a lot of calories, and if the calories are not worked off it goes to fat. Drinking is against some religions, causing people not to be able to drink. There is a lot of negative consequences that comes with drinking alcohol, but having a glass of wine every day is proven to be good for you. Drinking excessively is bad for you. Alcoholism is a problem that many people have to deal with. Alcoholism has effected people for a long time, but more recently been addressed as a physical problem as well as a mental. Alcoholism is chronic illness characterized by the regular consumption of alcohol to a degree that interferes with physical or mental health, or with normal social or occupational behaviour. A widespread health problem, it produces both physical and psychological addiction. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that reduces anxiety, inhibition, and feelings of guilt; lowers alertness; impairs perception, judgment, and muscular coordination; and, in high doses, can cause unconsciousness and even death. Long-term alcoholism damages the brain, liver, heart, and other organs. Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from a simple hangover to severe delirium tremens (a condition characterized by deliriousness, violent trembling, hallucinations, and seizures). “Treatment includes use of disulfiram (Antabuse), a drug that produces discomfort if alcohol is consumed; anti-anxiety drugs to suppress withdrawal symptoms; psychological counselling; and support from groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.(Alcohol Anonymous Meeting I attended) “Any intake of alcohol produces an intoxication- the greater the amount ingested, the greater the effects. What alcohol does is depress the, or slow down, the functioning of the body’s cells and organs until they are less efficient. However, the effects of a drink vary according to how and under what conditions the alcohol is ingested. Most people can tolerate one drink per hour.” (Doctor Jack Mendelson: Alcohol and Alcoholism. Pg. 37). I gather then by this statement ...