Wine is one of the most popular and luxurious beverages in the world. People love to enjoy a glass of wine with their meals, celebrate special occasions, or relax after a long day at work. With so many options available, including handcrafted and store-bought wines, narrowing down the best choice for your occasion can be challenging. To shed some light on this topic, we’ll take a closer look at the difference between handcrafted and store-bought wines.
The Process of Handcrafted Wine
The most significant difference between handcrafted and store-bought wines is the process and involvement of the winemaker. Smaller wineries typically produce handcrafted wine, and the winemaker is heavily involved in every aspect of the process. This involvement starts with the selection of the grapes, whereby the winemaker will choose specific varieties and plots that will produce the highest quality wine.
The next step involves the grapes’ harvest, which typically occurs during the early morning or late evening. The grapes are hand-picked and sorted to ensure that only the highest quality fruit is used in the production of the wine. Then, the grapes are taken to the winery, and the fermentation process begins. The winemaker will monitor the wine closely throughout this process, adjusting for temperature, acidity, and other factors that can impact the quality of the final product.
After fermentation, the wine will be aged in oak barrels for a specific period. During this time, the winemaker will continue to monitor the wine, and they may blend different varietals or barrels together to create the perfect balance of flavors and aromas.
Finally, the wine is bottled and labeled by hand, with each bottle carefully inspected to ensure that it meets the winemaker’s high standards.
The Process of Store-Bought Wine
On the other hand, store-bought wine is produced on a much larger scale and is created to meet the demand of the broader market. The grapes are often machine harvested and sorted, with little attention paid to the fruit’s quality. Then, the wine is produced in large tanks, and machines control the fermentation process. This process is efficient and cost-effective, but it sacrifices the hands-on involvement and attention to detail that comes with handcrafted wine.
After fermentation, the wine is aged in steel tanks or oak barrels before being bottled, labeled, and shipped off to stores.
The Differences in Taste
The process of handcrafted wine results in a typically more flavorful, complex, and nuanced wine than store-bought wine. The wine benefits from the winemaker’s attention to detail, including the selection of grapes, the fermentation process, and the aging process. Handcrafted wines tend to be less acidic and smoother, with a better balance of flavors and aromas.
On the other hand, store-bought wines are often mass-produced, resulting in a sweeter or more acidic flavor intended to appeal to a broader audience. The wine lacks the complexity and depth of flavor that comes with handcrafted wine, and the taste tends to be more straightforward.
The Differences in Price
Handcrafted wine tends to be more expensive than store-bought wine. This is due to the winery’s smaller production scale, the higher quality of grapes, and the intense attention and care given to each wine batch. The production process takes more time and effort, which results in a higher final cost.
On the other hand, store-bought wine is created on a much larger scale using cheaper grapes and a more automated production process. The result is cheaper wine that is available at lower prices.
Final Thoughts
The difference between handcrafted and store-bought wine lies in the process, involvement of the winemaker, taste, and price. Handcrafted wine is typically produced in smaller quantities, with the winemaker involved in every step of the process. The result is a more complex, nuanced wine with a smoother flavor and a better balance of aromas. Store-bought wine is mass-produced, which results in a sweeter taste and lower price. Ultimately, the choice between handcrafted and store-bought wine depends on the occasion, personal taste, and budget. Both types of wine can be enjoyed, but handcrafted wine is the way to go if you are searching for a unique wine experience.