What is Wine?
Wine is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented grapes or other fruits. It is also an important component of many traditional and modern cultural events and rituals. There are many different types of wine, including red, white, sparkling, and fortified wine. These wines are determined by the type of fruit, climate, and where the fruit grows. These, along with the wine making process all contribute to the flavor of the wine. The fermentation process involves the crushing of grapes and the usage of yeast, which converts the sugars into alcohol. It is aged in barrels or tanks to allow the flavors to develop and mature. Lastly, it is filtered and bottled to be sold. This beverage can be enjoyed on its own or paired with food.
History of the World, One Drink at a Time
The history of wine has an unknown starting point. It is known that its discovery is mostly accidental in different regions. One instance says that it was discovered by a princess in Persepolis. Having an uneasy relationship with the king, she drank the juice of spoiled grapes thinking that it would end her life. While drinking this mysterious juice, she felt as if most of her problems disappeared. When offering this to her king, it was enough of a gift to make him love her again. During the Neolithic period (5,400 - 5,000), wine is reported to be seen in fossils discovered in the northern mountains of Iran. Egyptians are the first people to use different types of grapes and fruits to create their unique type of wine. In Greece, wine presses are found in Crete tombs. Greece is a place where drinking wine to be drunk is frowned upon. Alexander the Great was the one responsible for wine’s popularity in Asia. Even if Alexander introduced its popularity, China already had wine in its history as early as 7000 BC. This country used rice, honey, and different types of fruits in making its variation of wine. Romans are the first to use glass bottles and wooden wine barrels. Next in line would be the religious figures using wine during holy communion but they would dilute the alcohol with water so that people would not get drunk in church. Champagne was produced in France and was created by fermenting base wine. It was a revolutionary version of sparkling wine, and just the smallest mistake can cause the bottle to explode. This is why it was reserved for special occasions such as coronations, weddings, and other formal ceremonies.
Why is Wine Expensive?
Several factors can contribute to the cost of wine being higher than other types of liquor. One factor is the cost of production. Wine is typically made from grapes, which are perishable crops that require a significant amount of labor to cultivate and harvest. In addition, the wine making process itself is complex and labor-intensive, requiring specialized equipment. Another factor is the aging process. Many types of wine benefit from aging, which improves its flavors. Aging wine requires time, space, and resources, which can add to the cost of the final product. Overall, the cost of wine can be influenced by a combination of production and aging costs, as well as reputation and perceived quality.
Wine Brands in the Philippines
There are multiple expensive wine brands in the Philippines. As wine ages, its price increases drastically. Red wine is a type of wine that needs a longer time to be much tastier. Novellino is a notable type of red wine that most Filipinos know. Novellino uses grapes from local vineyards and imports grapes from Chile and France. The company uses traditional wine making techniques and modern technology to produce its wines. Red wines are expensive because the grapes that are used are taken from expensive vineyards. Some of the most expensive red wines are Domaine de la Romanée-Cont (₱1,450,466), Château Pétrus (₱239,880), and Penfolds Grange (₱120,002).
Relevance of Wine Industry in the Philippines
The Philippine wine industry has grown significantly in recent years, and there are now several local wineries that produce high-quality wines. Some of the most well-known Philippine wineries include Donne di Domani and The White Knight Winery. Some of the grape varieties that are grown in the Philippines include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Moscato. These grapes are used to produce a range of wine styles, including red, white, and sparkling wine. These wineries produce a range of wines that are available in retail outlets and restaurants in the Philippines, as well as online through their websites and select online retailers.
Wine Prices in the Philippines
Fifteen selected expensive wines in the Philippines are researched to provide updated prices. The most expensive wine in the Philippines in this list is La Tache Burgundy 2003 Domaine de la Romanée- Conti having a price of ₱476,928. The cheapest is Napa Valley 2006 Opus One.
Wine |
Price (₱) |
L'Ermita Priorat 2012 Álvaro Palacios |
80,431 |
Napa Valley 2012 Harlan Estate |
73,107 |
Musigny Vielles Vignes Burgundy 2014 Domaine Comte George de Vogüé |
48,139 |
Champagne 2004 Salon Cuvee ‘S’ Le Mesnil Blanc de Blancs |
83,294
|
La Tache Burgundy 2003 Domaine de la Romanée- Conti |
476,928
|
Bordeaux 1982 Chateau Latour |
143,884 |
Bordeaux 1961 Chateau Palme |
335,840 |
Champagne 1996 Krug Clos D’Ambonnay |
218,855 |
Napa Valley 2006 Opus One |
26,433 |
Ribera del Duero 1999 Vega Sicilia ÚNICO Magnum |
27,565 |
Bordeaux 1997 Cos de Estournel (18 L) |
212,520 |
Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2003 Domaine du Pegau Salmanazar (9 L) |
110,700 |
Rioja 2000 Senorio San Vicente 27 Liters |
175,392 |
Tuscany 2006 Masseto Magnum |
80,048 |
Napa Valley 1996 Screaming Eagle Magnum |
298,551 |