Vineyard
Vines can be grown commercially, wherever conditions allow all around the world. Most vineyards fall between 30* - 50* latitude either North or South of the equator. The style of wine produced depends on the combination of climate, landscape, soil and grape variety. Some vineyard practices particularly in Europe, are influenced by local wine laws. Whilst the countries in the New World have more opportunity to experiment taking many of their ideas from the historic regions of Europe.
Winery
There have been huge changes in winemaking since the first wines were made with many wineries adopting technology to ensure that the grapes grown in the vineyard reach the drinker in perfect condition. Whilst good wine cannot be made from poor quality grapes if the winemaker doesn't control the production process, the perfect harvest can be turned into bad wine.
Red Wine
Red wines are made from red grape varieties. The colour comes from the skins which are allowed to mix with the juice until the desired colour is achieved. Different varieties have a range of characteristics which can add colour, body and tannin to the wine. The use of oak can also influence the final taste and the winemaker has the choice whether to use oak or not.
Rosé Wine
Rose wines are made from red grape varieties but range in style depending on the market they are aimed at, the variety and the place the grapes are grown. The winemaker can choose how pink he wants the wine to be by the length of time the juice spends with the skins. The also decide whether to ferment the wine dry or leave some sugar to make a sweeter style.
White Wine
White wines are mostly made from white varieties, although it is possible to make a white wine from red grapes as the pulp is colourless and the skins are removed early on in the process. The variety, climate and option of fermenting or maturing in oak also plays a big part in the final wine.
Sparkling Wine
Sparkling wine undergoes a second fermentation in either the bottle or tank which traps the carbon dioxide biproduct within the wine, which makes it fizzy. Champagne in France is the most prestigious and expensive sparkling wine region but most wine producing areas will make a sparkling wine. In recent years, the Italian Prosecco has become the fizz of choice in the UK.
Portfolio Building
Every customer has different requirements when putting a selection of wines together that suit their customer profile.
Distribution
We have a fleet of our own branded vehicles which deliver to our customers around the North West, South West and into London on a daily basis.
Glassware
Perfectly designed glassware enhances the aroma and the flavour of all aromatic beverages. When developing a glass, RIEDEL's design ideas are not born on a drawing board, but shaped by trial and error with the help and support of the world's greatest palates.