Arabic term for wine; see there.
Wine has been produced for at least 6,000 to perhaps 8,000 years, although the historical landscape of Mesopotamia, Transcaucasia and south-east Anatolia in Turkey near Mount Ararat is thought to be the cradle of viticulture (according to the Bible, Noah's Ark landed there). Beer is probably even older. In any case, beer and wine are the earliest evidence of human drinking culture. A sophisticated wine culture developed in Greek and later Roman antiquity.
The German name "Wein" comes from the Latin "Vinum". Other countries: Arabia - Khamr, China - 葡萄酒 = Pútáojiǔ or Hóngjiǔ, England - Wine, France - Vin, Georgia - Ghvino, Greece - Oinos, Indonesia - Anggur, Ireland (Gaelic) - Fion, Italy - Vino, Croatia - Wino, Netherlands (Flemish) - Wijn, Poland - Wino, Portugal - Vinho, Romania - Vin, Russia - Wino, Sweden - Vin, Serbia - Vino, Slovenia - Vino, Spain - Vino, Czech Republic - Vinem, Turkey - Sarap, Hungary - Bor.
According to EU Regulation 1308/2013, the definition of wine within the European Union is as follows: The term "wine" means the product obtained exclusively by the total or partial alcoholic fermentation of fresh grapes, whether or not crushed, or of grape must. Accordingly, the product may only be labelled as wine if grapes are used. Other raw materials must appear before the...
The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena