The role of the Church in the production and marketing of wine declined with the Reformation, particularly in northern Europe, but this did not convulse the wine world half as much as the discovery of the usefulness of corks about a century later. For the first time since the Roman empire, wine could now be stored and aged in bottles. Throughout the Middle Ages wine had been kept in casks which had presented a dual handicap: first, too long kept in wood could rob a wine of all its fruit; second, once the cask was opened the wine inevitably deteriorated unless drunk within a few days. The bottle, with its smaller capacity, solved the former problem by providing a neutral, non-porous material which allowed wine to age in a different subtler way and removed the latter problem by providing sealed containers of a manageable size for a single session's drinking.

However, the cork and bottle revolution was not an instant success; bottles were then so bulbous they would only stand upright which meant the corks eventually dried out and as a consequence let in air. But, by the mid 18th century, longer, flat-sided bottles were designed which would lie down, their corks kept moist by contact with the wine. As a result wine making now took on a new dimension. It became worthwhile for a winemaker to try and excel, wines from particular plots of land could be compared for their qualities, and the most exciting could be classified and separated from the more mundane plot wines. As a result today's great names of Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhine first began to be noticed.

In the early 19th century, Europe seemed one massive vineyard. In Italy 80% of people were earning their living from wine and in France there were vast plantings rolling southwards from Paris. Also the vine had moved abroad thanks to explorers, colonists and missionaries. It went to Latin America with the Spaniards, South Africa with French Huguenots, and to Australia with the British. Could anything stop this tide of wine expansion?

Well, yes and it came in the form of an aphid called phylloxera, that fed on and destroyed vine roots. It came from America in the 1860's, and by the early 20th century, had destroyed all Europe's vineyards and most of the rest of the world's as well. The solution was to graft the vulnerable European vine, vitis vinifera, onto the phylloxera-resistant American rootstock, vitis riparia, naturally a very expensive effort. The most immediate effect in Europe was that only the best sites were replanted and the total area under vines shrank drastically as a result. Elsewhere the havoc wrought was comparable and vineyard acreage is only now expanding to old original sites destroyed over a century ago.

The 20th century brought further change as science and technology revolutionised viticulture and wine making. But despite the chemical formulae and computerised wineries, the grape retains its magic and allure that attracts wine enthusiasts from all over the world.

About the Author

James Pendleton is a lover of the better things in life. For more information on wine visit Wine Capital

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Hattenheimer Deutelsberg Riesling Kabinett - Black Bottle


What a real treat for the lovers of our Black Bottle Kabinett from the famous Hans Lang Estate. This year's edition was harvested from the prized Deutelsbeg Vineyard in the prestigious town of Hattenheim. Winemaking can be traced back to Roman times but the real history of the Hattenheim Wine Industry begins in 1116 with the Cistercian Abbey of Kloster Eberbach. These monks kept a detailed record of their plantings (mostly Pinot Noir) that survives to this day. Hattenheim is also home some of the most renowned wine estates and restaurants in all of Europe. Annual gastronomy fairs are held in the Hattenheim Burg, a towered building that has dominated the center of Hattenheim since 1131. Hans Lang was very excited about this wine when he suggested we switch to this vineyard. After tasting the sample, Herr Lang had every reason to be enthusiastic. This is probably the finest Black Bottle Kabinett we have ever had. Tight and clean, this Riesling has an intensely floral nose with a hint of honey and almond. The balance between fruit and acidity is a signature of well made Rheingau wines. What a perfect way to kick off the New Year with this elegant and stylish Kabinett from one of Germany's top winemakers! You can buy this German white wine online! HDK04 HDK04


Price: 29.99 USD




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