Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermentation of grape juice. The natural chemical balance of grapes is such that they can ferment without the addition of sugars, acids, enzymes or other nutrients.

 

Wine is produced by fermenting crushed grapes and then adding yeast to the juice, which consumes the sugars found in the grapes and convert them into alcohol. Many varieties of grapes and strains of yeasts are used depending on the types of wine produced.

 

Although other fruits such as apples and berries can also be fermented, the resultant "wines" are normally named after the fruit from which they are produced (for example, apple wine or elderberry wine) and are generically known as fruit wine or country wine (not to be confused with the French term vin du pays).

 

Other fermented beverages, such as barley wine and rice wine (e.g. sake), are made from starch-based materials and are closer to beer and spirit than wine. In these cases, the use of the term "wine" is a reference to the higher alcohol content, rather than production process. The commercial use of the word "wine" is usually protected by law and refers specifically to a grape-based product.

 

European wines tend to be classified by region (e.g. Bordeaux and Chianti), while non-European wines are most often classified by grape (e.g. Pinot Noir and Merlot).

 

Recently, however, specific growing regions outside of Europe are now becoming prominently featured on wine labels. Examples of non-European recognized regions include: Napa Valley in California, Barossa Valley in Australia, Willamette Valley in Oregon, Central Valley in Chile and Marlborough in New Zealand. In America, these are classified as American Viticultural Areas (AVA).

 

Some blended wine names are marketing terms, and the use of these names is governed by trademark or copyright law rather than by specific wine laws. For example, "Meritage" (sounds like "heritage") is generally a Bordeaux-style blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and may also include Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. Commercial use of the term "Meritage" is allowed only via licensing agreements with an organization called the "Meritage Association". "Cardinale", "Opus One" and Ferrari-Carano’s "Siena" are also examples of trade names.