A bunch of grapes

Worldwide, almost 80,000 square kilometres are currently devoted to the production of grapes. Seventy-five percent of this is used to make wine, while the balance turns up as table fruit, juice or dried fruit. We all are familiar with the very small selection of grape varietals used to produce wine: cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, chardonnay or pinot gris (to name but a few). But what about that other 25 per cent?

We tend to call a dried grape a “raisin,” even though it is the French word for “grape.” (The French word “grappe” denotes a cluster or bunch of grapes.) A currant is a dried black Corinth grape. Sultanas are made from a Turkish varietal that we know as thompson seedless— a white varietal that also serves as a table grape. (Nowadays, sultanas are made from either white or red grapes that are bleached to achieve their golden colour.)

Non-alcoholic grape juice is achieved by simply crushing the fruit, and then pasteurizing to render inert any natural yeast. In North America, this juice is made primarily from the purple Concord grape. And even though grapes are delicious to humans and birds, they have a very toxic impact on man’s best friend. The consumption of grapes by a dog can bring about kidney failure and can (in some extreme cases) be fatal. We may marvel at how the French can combine rich foods and sumptuous wines and still remain healthy. But the secret is in moderation.

With moderate consumption, there are health benefits to all grapes.

THIS WEEK’S PICK
A major shout-out to the team at Rosehall Run winery, who celebrated their 15th year with the release of their yummy Ceremony “traditional method” sparkling wine. This labour of love joins the pantheon of outstanding sparkling wines that are drawing rave reviews for the wine scene in Prince Edward County.

Speaking of sparkling wine, it would be worth a trip to Lighthall Vineyards to sample Glenn Symons’ Culmination and Progression sparkling wines.

It seems that we are developing quite the reputation for our sparkling wines. And indeed why not?