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1. Amphora Revival

Ancient winemaking techniques are making a comeback, with some producers today preferring the use of clay amphorae for fermentation and ageing. These vessels, used over 2,000 years ago, impart a distinct earthy quality to the wine while allowing for micro-oxygenation, much like barrels but without imparting that distinctive "oaky' flavour. 

2. Champagne Pressure

A bottle of Champagne contains huge internal pressure about three times that of a car tyre! This is why Champagne bottles are much thicker and the corks pop with a lot of force. In fact, according to German scientist Friedrich Balck, a shaken Champagne bottle can eject its cork at nearly 25mph.

3. Ice Wine’s Sweet Origin

Ice wine, or Eiswein, is made from grapes that naturally freeze on the vine. The freezing process concentrates the sugars, resulting in a lusciously sweet wine. Canada and Germany are most famous for creating this style of wine, which is only made in specific years and only if the right climactic conditions occur.

4. Terroir Defines Everything

The French term terroiris a term you will hear a lot in the wine world but what does it actually mean? Terroir encompasses not only the land, soil and geography of where the vineyard is but also the climate. All these things combined produce unique conditions for that specific plot of land which in turn will produce vastly different wines to even a neighbouring plot. 

5. The Judgment of Paris

In 1976, the world of wine was turned on its head during the "Judgment of Paris," a blind tasting where Californian wines unexpectedly outperformed their French counterparts. This event put New World wines on the map and changed perceptions about wine quality forever.

6. Wine and the Moon

Biodynamic winemakers plan vineyard work I accordance with the lunar cycle, believing that the moon’s phases influence how the vine grows and the quality of the wine. This practice is an integral part of biodynamic farming principles.

7. The World’s Largest Wine Cellar

Moldova’s Milestii Mici boasts the largest wine cellar in the world, stretching over 200 km underground and housing nearly 2 million bottles of wine.

8. The Science of Wine Legs

Those streaks running down your wine glass, often known as “legs” or “tears,” are caused by alcohol evaporation and surface tension. A common misconception is this indicates the quality of the wine but it actually gives an indication of alcohol levels. The thicker the legs the higher the alcohol.

9. The Birthplace of Sparkling Wine

While Champagne is the most famous producer of this style of wine, sparkling wine’s origins can be traced to Limoux in southern France, where monks created it in 1531—more than a century before Champagne was officially recognised.

10. World’s Top Wine Producer

Italy holds the crown as the world’s largest wine producer, producing over 47 million hectolitres annually. 

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