Slovenian oak is wood from oak trees grown in Slovenia, used for making wine barrels. Wines aged in Slovenian oak can exhibit subtle flavours and aromas, including spice and vanilla, providing a different character compared to French or American oak. It is valued for its ability to impart nuanced, elegant […]
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Skin contact refers to the winemaking process where grape skins are left in contact with the juice during fermentation, extracting color, flavours, and tannins. This technique is used to make red wines and can also be applied to create orange wines from white grapes, contributing to the wine’s complexity and […]
Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is a dark-skinned grape variety used to produce powerful, full-bodied red wines. Known as Shiraz primarily in Australia and South Africa, it exhibits flavours of blackberry, plum, pepper, and spice. The grape’s versatility allows it to produce a wide range of wine styles, from fruit-forward […]
Sherry is a fortified wine from the Jerez region in southern Spain, known for its wide range of styles from dry to sweet. Production involves a unique aging process using the solera system, which blends different vintages for consistency. Styles include Fino, dry and light; Oloroso, richer and oxidatively aged; […]
Sedimentation is the process by which solid particles in the wine settle at the bottom of the storage vessel over time. This natural clarification method can be used alongside or as an alternative to filtration, allowing for the removal of sediment before bottling to ensure a clear, stable wine.
Secondary fermentation in winemaking can refer to either the process of malolactic fermentation, where malic acid is converted to lactic acid, softening the wine, or the fermentation that occurs in the production of sparkling wines, where added yeast and sugar create carbon dioxide, resulting in bubbles.
A screw cap is a metal cap that screws onto threads on the neck of a wine bottle, providing an alternative to cork closures. Screw caps offer a reliable seal, reducing the risk of cork taint and oxidation, and are widely used for sealing wines intended for consumption within a […]
Savagnin is a white grape variety primarily found in the Jura region of France, distinct from Sauvignon Blanc. It is known for its high acidity and is used to produce Vin Jaune, a unique wine aged under a layer of yeast, acquiring a nutty, complex profile. Savagnin also produces traditional […]
Sauternes is a prestigious sweet wine region in Bordeaux, France, known for its luscious, botrytized wines made from Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. These wines are characterized by their rich, complex flavours of honey, apricot, and nuts, with balanced acidity. Sauternes’ sweetness and depth are the result of noble […]
Sangiovese is a red grape variety native to Italy, most famously used in Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino wines. It produces medium to full-bodied wines with high acidity and tannins, characterized by flavours of red cherries, earth, and herbs. Sangiovese is versatile, forming the backbone of many Italian wines and […]