From artisanal bottles of bubbly to rich, complex reds, wine is a delightful drink that comes from a process refined over millennia. The science and artistry behind each bottle are both fascinating to explore.
After the grapes are picked, they are either hand-picked or run through a machine that removes the stems and lightly crushes them to create a mixture known as must. The skins are left in during fermentation to give red wines their deep color.
Origins
The word “artisan” conjures up images of super-skilled people making fantastic things by hand using old-school methods. These people can be found aplenty in the world of jewellery, pottery, clocks, and furniture, as well as wine! Artisan wine is created by small producers who use traditional winemaking techniques to create wines that reflect their personality and connect them to their territory.
These winemakers take great care of their vineyards, choosing to keep yields low so that the grapes can receive optimum attention. They avoid artificial irrigation and choose the best bunches to be harvested, thereby preserving the aromas and flavours of the grapes. This results in a truly unique wine!
In addition, these artisan winemakers are renowned for their passion and dedication to their craft. They believe that the wine they produce is a cultural artifact that celebrates their country’s traditions and customs, while connecting them with nature through a wine that can be appreciated and shared by all.
Besides a deep love and respect for their wines, these artisan producers also believe that it is important to preserve the environment. This is why many of them use organic and biodynamic farming methods that reduce the environmental impact of their operations. They also make sure to use natural additives that help preserve the integrity of their products, and thus, allow them to express the true terroir of their grapes!
Varietals
A varietal wine is a specific type of grape. Aside from the obvious differences in color and aroma, the flavor profiles of different grapes vary significantly depending on growing conditions and winemaking methodology. The best way to appreciate a variety is by tasting its wines, which will give you a sense of their typical characteristics and how they come together in each bottle.
There are numerous artisan wines available, ranging from the famous to the lesser-known. The best wines tend to be from well-established regions, where the winery has a reputation for quality and where a certain level of craftsmanship is expected.
At the other end of the spectrum, some artisan wines are made by small producers who have their winery and vineyards. They often embrace eco-farming and organic practices that work in harmony with the modern parameters of sustainability.
The process of turning grapes into fermented wine requires careful selection and timing to achieve optimum results. Many of the steps in artisan winemaking are manual, including harvesting (which is typically done by hand to ensure that only the highest quality grapes are selected) and bottling (which is often carried out manually for hygiene reasons). Using these methods ensures that the winemaker can control the production process, resulting in wines of exceptional quality and character.
Styles
A wine that carries the label of ‘artisan’ is made with a great deal of care and attention. From how the grapes are harvested to how the wines are crushed, fermented, and stored, artisan wines are often made with decidedly less intervention than their mass-produced counterparts.
As a result, artisan wines tend to have more character than their mass-produced cousins. They may be mellifluous and delicate, laser-sharp and full of tannin, or they might be fruity, crisp, or spicy — the characteristics of a given wine are dictated by the grape varietal, the vineyard’s unique terroir, and other variables. Mass-produced wines are often made with interventions that dilute the terroir expression of the wine. Artisan wines, on the other hand, place a high value on terroir and are designed to showcase the organic regional characteristics of the grapes grown in that particular vineyard.
In addition, artisan wines are also usually less manipulated in the cellar and are made to highlight the best qualities of the wine varietal and vineyard. They are often lower in sulphur and contain fewer additives than their mass-produced counterparts. This means that you’re not only getting a more delicious and authentic wine, but one that is better for your body. Some artisan wine producers even practice sustainable farming techniques like free-roaming farm animals and organic vineyard output that works in harmony with the parameters of modern sustainability, making their wines environmentally friendly as well.
Tasting
In the other countries, artisan wines are quickly growing in popularity. These wines are often made in smaller quantities, and the winemakers place a priority on preserving the unique characteristics of their vineyards. They may also use traditional winemaking methods, such as natural fermentation and minimal intervention. This ensures that the wines retain their original flavour and character. In addition to preserving the quality of the wine, artisan winemakers often focus on sourcing their grapes from renowned vineyard regions.
Artisan wines are also known for their high levels of varietal expression and vintage variation. In contrast to mass wine manufacturers, who take a number of interventions in order to achieve uniformity, artisan winemakers place a premium on ensuring that the terroir expresses itself in their wines.
For a truly authentic wine experience, join a tasting hosted by an artisan winemaker. You’ll have the opportunity to try a wide selection of wine, and discuss the process with the producers themselves. This can be a great way to meet other wine lovers and share your passion for artisan wines.
Artisan wineries also offer a variety of other experiences, including blind tastings. These sessions can help you to deepen your understanding of professional tasting techniques and learn how to recognise the distinctive characteristics of different grape varieties and wine regions. They can also be a fun way to spend an afternoon.