Phenolic content in wine the ellagic and gallic acid found in the wood. In the vineyards, there is also a growing distinction being made between "ripe" and "unripe" tannins present in the grape. This "physiological ripeness", which is roughly determined by tasting the grapes off the vines, is being used along with sugar levels as a determination of when to harvest. The idea is that "riper" tannins will taste softer but still impart some of the texture components found favorable in wine. In winemaking, the amount of the time that the must spends in contact with the grape skins, stems and seeds will influence
Wine in religious communities of the Middle East drinks such as "tilā’" and "naqir" as inebriating and thus forbade the pressing of grapes and the drinking of pressed grape juice. As the early Muslim armies conquered more territory, though, increasing populations of non-Muslims were brought under Muslim rule, necessitating the development of a body of law regulating the interaction between Muslims and non-Muslim dhimmis. A document used for guiding Muslim pacts with dhimmi communities known as the "Shuruṭ ‘Umar" forbids dhimmis from selling forbidden products – pork, wine, carrion – to Muslims. The Egyptian Jewish communities of the medieval period used wine sacramentally in feasts, prayers, and at