Critique Sousão -- my 232nd wine grape species

[Mike Buckley]

This Portuguese red wine from the Douro is a blend of 70% Touriga Nacional, 25% Touriga Franca and 5% Sousão.

Setup
The tabletop and background are a single sheet of white, textured art paper. Two small continuous-light lamps were on the sides as were two white reflectors that added the reflections to the wine bottle above its label.

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[Binnur]

You used the reflections very creatively in this shot Mike. I really respect your knowledge and talent in photography.

 

[Mike Buckley]

Such a nice compliment, Binnur! Thank you!

 

[drr1531]

You are a master at manipulating lighting, Mike. And picking the colors/BG to fit the subject. Nicely done.

232? We have opposite philosophies. I find one that works and stick with it

 

[Mike Buckley]

Thanks, Dan!

232? We have opposite philosophies. I find one that works and stick with it

Can't argue with that approach!

 

[dossy]

Beautiful lighting, Mike! I love that you share your technique.

 

[fishbio]

As a biologist, I can't let your title go without comment. There are many varieties of wine grape but the majority are from a single species, Vitis vinifera.

 

[Mike Buckley]

There are many varieties of wine grape but the majority are from a single species, Vitis vinifera.

My understanding is that all wine grapes are from that species.

 

[Butlerkid]

Excellent image, Mik! Love the reflections on both sides! Superb technique!

 

[Palouse]

My understanding is that all wine grapes are from that species.

Most of the ones you and I drink on a regular basis are indeed vinifera.
But there is also Vitis labrusca, the fox grape, native to eastern North America and are the source Catawba, Concord, Delaware, Isabella, Niagara, and many hybrid grape varieties such as Agawam, Alexander and Onaka.

 

[Mike Buckley]

According to Wine Folly, there are five species that produce wine grapes that are native to America in addition to the two species already discussed in this thread. I have to believe there are others throughout the world.

https://winefolly.com/deep-dive/native-wine-grapes-of-america/

Oddly, Wine Folly also has an article explaining that "all wine grapes are Vitis vinifera." Sadly, that's the article I had remembered.

https://winefolly.com/tips/table-grapes-vs-wine-grapes/

 

[Palouse]

I have had wines from all of the species, except for mustang. Surprisingly, I am still alive!

 

[Mike Buckley]

I have had wines from all of the species, except for mustang. Surprisingly, I am still alive!

Don't press your luck; stay away from Mustang.

I'm surprised that I've had wine made from grapes of all but two of the species.