Vinismo is written by its readers -- Internet users like you -- and we need your help! Try our getting started guide to learn how.
Varietal pages should be created for every winegrape used to make wine anywhere in the world.
A template for varietal pages is available in Vinismo. It can be inserted in the edition window by a simple click in the template selector, every time you start a new page.
Before starting the new page, make sure your varietal is not already listed. Most varietals have several names from one winegrowing region to another. Don't forget to search different names that could have been used already, especially if they involve a foreign character accentuation.
edit How to start a new varietal page
To start a new page, there are two ways. The best way (the Wiki way, at least) is to create a link to it from another page.
Typically, varietal pages can be linked from any article about a region, an appellation, a producer or a wine.
The other way is to start the new page by typing the name of the varietal in your browser's address bar, just after the /en/ part.
When you're in the edit window for your new page, before typing anything, you can choose the pre-filled Varietal template with one click of your mouse.
Don't forget to add a link to your new page in the table of contents for varietals, so that other users can find it.
edit Varietal naming conventions
Each varietal article should be titled with the most commonly used name for that varietal. If several names are used equally in the world, then choose the name used in the region where the varietal originally came from. A little research should help you make the right choice.
Each first letter should be uppercased in the title -- e.g. Pinot Noir, Folle Blanche, Sauvignon Blanc.
Don't forget to insert foreign accents where applicable -- e.g. Gewürztraminer, Aligoté, Tinta Cão. If you don't have these on your keyboard, just copy&paste from the Web.
edit Typical sections on a varietal page
These are the pre-defined sections that should be found in any varietal page. If you don't have anything to add to a particular section, leave it empty; other helpful, knowledgeable Vinismo users will surely come and fill it.
edit Introduction
Please sum up in one or two sentences the color of your varietal (red or white) and the main countries or regions where it is grown.
edit Aromas
This is the most creative section. It describes the aromas of your varietal when used to make wines, either as a single varietal or in a blend. Feel free to be evocative and metaphorical in your choice of words. This is one of the funniest parts of writing about wine!
edit Regions
Where did this varietal originate? Is it a native species, a natural mutation, an artificial cross? Which are its parent varietals? Do vintners use different genetic variations of this varietal? Where and in which context is it grown? Why?
Please describe the wines produced with this varietal in each region of the world where it is grown. Which varietals is it typically blended with, depending of the region? What kind of challenges does it give to vintners in specific regions?
edit Viticulture
This is where you describe the varietal from the vintner's point of view. What types of soils and climates are suited for this varietal? How early or late does it bud and ripe? What's its typical growth? Is it prone to diseases and rot?
Feel free to be technical in your explanations, if you know what you're talking about. But don't forget to explain the technical terms you use, or create a link to the corresponding Vinismo article -- e.g. coulure, millerandage, etc.
edit Other names
Please list here all the alternative names used around the world for this varietal. Use a bullet-list format, by listing each name on a new line starting with a star symbol (*).
Don't forget to insert foreign accents where applicable -- e.g. Gewürztraminer, Aligoté, Tinta Cão. If you don't have these on your keyboard, just copy&paste from the Web.
edit Sidebar: List of all varietals
The sidebar of every varietal page displays a table of contents for all varietal pages in Vinismo.
To add it, simply click on Edit Sidebar and type the code {{Varietals}}.
Of course, don't forget to add your own new varietal page to that table of contents. It can be edited here.
edit Illustrations
Feel free to add nice pictures of your winegrape. Just make sure that they are compatible with our Copyleft licence. See Adding images for details.
