ALL ABOUT WATER
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)
The subtle taste and "terroir" of water are determined by the type and amount of minerals it contains. These minerals can be found in the water's source analysis, where the concentration of dissolved solids is indicated as TDS (Total Dissolved Solids). The TDS value is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/l) or parts per million (ppm) – both units are equivalent.
The TDS value primarily consists of minerals such as carbonates, bicarbonates, chlorides, sulfates, phosphates, nitrates, as well as calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, and manganese. Gases, colloids, and sediments are not included in this measurement.
The TDS level is the most critical factor in giving water its taste and character:
Low TDS: Comparable to white wine – clean, neutral, and light in taste.
High TDS: Similar to red wine – fuller-bodied, more robust, and with distinct character.
Very High TDS: Particularly rich and often with a noticeable aftertaste, much like a bold, intense red wine.
Categorization of Carbonation
We classify carbonation into five different levels: starting with Still, followed by Effervescent, Light, Classic, and finally Bold!
Carbonation adds a unique mouthfeel to water and is therefore a key characteristic when describing the character of water or pairing it with food. Water is carbonated by dissolving carbon dioxide, which creates a delicate effervescence.
Modern carbonation techniques involve pressurizing carbon dioxide and adding it to water to increase the dissolved CO2, resulting in bubbles when the bottle is opened. The size, spacing, and quantity of bubbles depend on the amount of CO2 added, typically ranging from 1 to 10 g/l in artificially carbonated waters.
Natural carbonation occurs under rare geological conditions where CO2 is produced through organic matter degradation, interaction with carbonates, metamorphic devolatilization, or magmatic degassing (volcanic activity). Factory bottling can sometimes lead to carbonation loss, especially at lower levels. The solution involves capturing the water and CO2 separately from the same geological formation and reintroducing the filtered gas back into the water, often enhancing the carbonation level.
Examples include Gerolsteiner, enriched by volcanic activity in Germany's Eifel region, and other brands like Badoit, Vilajuïga, Pedras, Wattwiller, Ferrarelle, Borsec, Perrier, and Cana Royal.
Fine water is not just water
When we think of water, we often see it as just a simple, uniform liquid. But in reality, not all water is the same. Fine Water is a natural product with unique characteristics, reflecting the geology and environment of its source.
Just like wine, water has a "terroir," meaning it carries the taste of the place it comes from. Different sources around the world offer a variety of water choices, each with its own distinct flavor and mineral content.
There isn't one "best" water—it's all about personal preference. Drinking Fine Water should feel as close as possible to sipping it directly from its source, with the water being carefully bottled to preserve its purity and experience. This process not only respects the water's natural environment but also the culture and community around its source.
So, next time you drink water, remember—it's not just water; it's a taste of the Earth's diverse landscapes.
Have you ever wondered how old our water is?
6.5 Billion years.
All the water on Earth has a cosmic origin. Scientists believe that 6,5 billion of years ago, the water we drink today came from space, from icy comets and asteroids . Over time, this same water has cycled through the environment. Understanding that our water came from space highlights just how extraordinary this resource is. 97 percent of the water is salt water, 2% is Ice, and only 1% is drinking water.
The drinking water cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth's surface. It begins with evaporation, where water from oceans, rivers, and lakes rises into the atmosphere as vapor. This vapor cools and condenses to form clouds, then falling as rain and snow back to the ground. This water, restock the sources ,our aquifers from which we draw our drinking water.
This cycle is crucial for maintaining the balance and availability of fresh water on our planet. For us, it ensures a constant supply of clean, renewable water. For water sommeliers, understanding the water cycle is key. The cycle influences the mineral content and taste of water, depending on where it's sourced.
The drinking water cycle is, therefore, not just a natural process, but a vital part of our daily lives.