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 ine is an alcoholic beverage made from the fermented juice of grapes. Its major constituents are water, sugar, and alcohol. More than 400 compounds contribute to the flavor, aroma, and color of wine.
Wines may be classified according to color as Red, Rose, or White.
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ine taste is described as Doux (Sweet) or Sec (Dry). Sweet wines are high in sugar content; Sec wines contain little or no sugar. High acidity may also contribute to dryness. Wines are also classified as Table, Sparkling, or Fortified. Table wines, the natural or still wines, may be Red, Rose, or White, with alcoholic content from about 7 to 15 percent. Sparkling wines, effervescent or bubbling, are most frequently White, and have alcoholic content similar to that of Table wines. Fortified wines contain added brandy and may be Red or White, with alcoholic content from about 16 to 23 percent.
Wines may be named for place of origin or grape variety used, or may bear generic names. Most wines take place-names.
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In Greece and other countries, the French term "Appellation d' Origine Controlee" (controlled place of origin) on the label of a wine guarantee that the wine has been produced at the stated location and has met Greek laws for controlling production. Wine labels may show the vintage, meaning the year in which the grapes used were harvested. The vintage is an important indicator of the wine's value because seasonal variations in weather affect harvest quality from year to year. |
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Wines blended from several vintages bear undated labels.
The leading wine-producing countries include France, Italy, and Spain. Greece is also an important exporter of wine, especially the last years.
Today, a very serious work takes place in the Greek wine production. Young and mature quality wines are available from local producers and large wine companies have set high standards and controls for the picking and processing of the grapes. Unique Greek varieties like "Assyrtiko", "Athiri", "Roditis", "Xynomavro", "Agiorgitiko" as well as absolutely special wines like "Mavrodafni", or the Sweet wines of Samos and Lemnos, make Greece a special place for the wine lovers.
The dream of the Greeks who have make quality wine creation their life style comes true today. Thus, the Greek wine is now famous worldwide for its excellent quality.
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