Wine

Wine is a fermented grape beverage that ranges from pale straw to deep ruby and from still to sparkling. In cooking it brings bright acidity, fruit, and savory depth; it deglazes fond, reduces into glossy pan sauces, perfumes braises, and gently poaches fruit; common retail styles include red, white, rosé, sparkling, and fortified. Some wines are clarified with animal-derived fining agents, so suitability for vegetarians varies.

Wine developed in the ancient Near East and Mediterranean and spread through Europe before global adoption. Producers ferment grape juice with yeast, then age in tank or barrel; methods and grapes shape regional styles central to French, Italian, Spanish, and many other cuisines.