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Red wine: the art of winemaking in red

Red wine, with its distinctive ruby hue and intense flavours, expresses the creative soul of civilisation and the oenological wisdom of man. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, dating back to ancient Mesopotamia, and its history is inextricably intertwined with the culture of countries with a strong wine vocation, such as Italy and France.
But what makes red wine such an appreciated and sophisticated product? It is all an art, a balanced dance of science and tradition, terroir and time.

How is red wine made?

The production of red wine begins with the cultivation of grapes. Different grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Sangiovese and many others, result in red wines with unique personalities. The quality of the grapes is determined by a number of factors including soil, climate and the farmer's attention. The terroir, i.e. the set of environmental conditions in which the grapes grow, is fundamental to the profile of the final wine.
Once the grapes have been harvested, they are pressed and left to ferment. In red wine, unlike white wine, fermentation takes place together with the skins. It is this interaction between the grape juice and the skins that gives red wine its characteristic colour and part of its flavour. Fermentation is carefully controlled, as it is at this stage that the grape's natural sugars are transformed into alcohol.
After fermentation, the wine is usually aged in wooden barrels, often oak. This phase adds complexity and structure to the wine, giving it notes of spices, vanilla, chocolate, or smoke, depending on the type of wood used and the time of ageing. Furthermore, during ageing, the wine 'softens', losing some of its acidity and tannicity.

Finally, the red wine is bottled and left to rest for a further period of time. This period of maturation in the bottle is essential to allow the wine to further develop its flavours and aromas.
However, the production of red wine is not limited to these technical steps. There is an element of passion, of knowledge passed down from generation to generation that makes each bottle of red wine unique. This is why red wine is so closely linked to the culture of wine countries like Italy and France. Each bottle tells a story of tradition and innovation, of land and climate, of men and women who dedicate their lives to this noble product.

Red wine, symbol of passion and conviviality

In conclusion, red wine is a symbol of human creativity and its continuous quest for perfection. It is a tribute to man's ability to work in symbiosis with nature, to understand and exploit the complexities of the soil and climate, to get the best out of every single grape.
Red wine is the result of a long and careful process in which every decision, from the grape variety to the choice of wood for ageing, influences the final product.
But red wine is also a symbol of sharing and conviviality. On tables all over the world, a bottle of red wine is opened to celebrate a special occasion, to accompany a good meal in company, to enjoy a moment of relaxation. Red wine is a bridge between people, a bond that unites different cultures and traditions.
In every sip of red wine, we can perceive a piece of human history, an echo of the ancient civilisations of Mesopotamia, a reflection of the rich wine-making traditions of countries like Italy and France. It is a tribute to man's oenological wisdom, an expression of the continuous innovation and passion for excellence that characterises the wine industry.
This is why red wine is so much more than just a drink. It is a masterpiece, a work of art created by the hand of man and the generosity of nature. It is an expression of love and dedication, a symbol of culture and civilisation. And there is no doubt that it will continue to delight our palates and enrich our lives for many centuries to come.