Albariño is a highly aromatic white grape variety predominantly grown in the Rías Baixas region of Spain, though it is also found in Portugal, where it is known as Alvarinho. Celebrated for its vibrant acidity and fresh, fruity flavours that often include hints of peach, lemon, and apricot, Albariño produces […]
Glossary
Biodynamic farming in viticulture extends beyond organic practices, incorporating ideas about a vineyard as an ecosystem. This approach includes the use of compost and manure preparations and follows a planting calendar based on lunar cycles. Biodynamic farming aims to create a balanced environment that supports the health of the soil, […]
Carmenère is a red wine grape originally from Bordeaux, France, now primarily associated with Chile. It produces deep red wines with flavours of red fruits, spices, and sometimes a green bell pepper note, due to pyrazines. Carmenère was once thought to be extinct or rare until rediscovered in Chile, where […]
In winemaking, “dry” refers to a wine that contains no perceptible sugar or sweetness. During fermentation, yeast converts the sugar in grapes into alcohol and carbon dioxide. In dry wines, this process continues until almost all the sugar is consumed, resulting in a wine that tastes not sweet. The term […]
Fiano is a white grape variety native to southern Italy, particularly in Campania and Sicily, known for producing aromatic and age-worthy wines. Fiano wines are characterized by their floral, herbal, and nutty notes, along with a distinctive minerality and potential for complexity with age. This variety demonstrates the richness and […]
Ice harvest refers to the process of picking grapes in freezing temperatures for the production of Ice Wine (Eiswein). This method concentrates the sugars and acids in the grapes, as water inside them freezes, but the sugar does not. The resulting wines are rich, sweet, and have a balanced acidity, […]
Leaching in viticulture refers to the process where water dissolves and carries nutrients away from the soil, potentially leading to nutrient deficiency in grapevines. This can affect vine health and grape quality, making soil management and irrigation practices crucial in preventing excessive nutrient loss and ensuring balanced vine growth.
Montepulciano is an Italian red grape variety widely grown in central and southern Italy, particularly in the Abruzzo region. It produces deeply colored, robust wines with flavours of dark fruits, herbs, and spices. Montepulciano wines are known for their smooth tannins and good acidity, making them food-friendly and accessible.
Ovum, in the context of winemaking, refers to egg-shaped fermentation tanks, often made from concrete or clay. These vessels are used for fermenting wine, with their shape promoting natural circulation of the wine, leading to more uniform fermentation and potentially enhancing the wine’s texture and complexity.
Picpoul (or Piquepoul) is a white grape variety from the Languedoc region of France, known for producing crisp, acidic wines with vibrant citrus and floral notes. Picpoul de Pinet is a well-known appellation within the Languedoc, where wines showcase the grape’s refreshing acidity and minerality, often paired with seafood.