Wein

Wein, or wine in English, is an alcoholic beverage produced by fermenting crushed grapes. Yeast consumes the sugars in grape juice, producing ethanol and carbon dioxide. The flavor, aroma, and texture of wine are shaped by grape variety, climate, soil, and winemaking decisions. Wines can be still or sparkling, and some are fortified with additional alcohol.

Common styles include red, white, and rosé, distinguished mainly by grape skin contact and aging. Red wines derive color and tannins from extended skin contact; white wines are typically pressed before fermentation; rosé involves limited skin contact. Sparkling wines gain their effervescence through secondary fermentation. Fortified wines, such as port or sherry, receive extra alcohol to increase sweetness and stability.

Production typically begins with harvest and crushing, followed by fermentation in stainless steel tanks or oak, with temperature control. After fermentation, wine may be aged in tanks, oak barrels, or bottle-aged. Stabilization, clarification, and filtration prepare the wine for bottling. Closures range from natural corks to synthetic stoppers and screw caps.

Wine is produced worldwide, with famous regions including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, and the United States. Many countries operate classification systems that indicate quality or origin, such as France's Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée (AOC), Italy's Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC/DOCG), and Germany's Prädikatswein. The concept of terroir emphasizes how environment and practices influence character.

Wine has a long history dating to ancient civilizations in the Near East and Mediterranean. It has played a central role in religion, trade, and culture, and modern production is a global industry with a wide range of styles and prices.