Pump over is a winemaking technique used during fermentation to circulate juice from the bottom of a fermenter over the cap of grape skins that forms at the top. This process enhances color, flavour, and tannin extraction from the skins, improves fermentation by introducing oxygen, and prevents the growth of […]
Glossary
Rioja is a prestigious wine region in Spain, renowned for its red wines primarily made from the Tempranillo grape. Rioja wines are categorized into four aging levels: Joven, Crianza, Reserva, and Gran Reserva, each requiring progressively longer aging in oak barrels and bottles. These wines are appreciated for their balance […]
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 […]
Vin Doux Naturel (VDN) is a category of French sweet fortified wine, where fermentation is stopped by the addition of grape spirit, preserving natural grape sugars. Produced in regions like Roussillon, VDN wines include Muscat de Rivesaltes and Banyuls, known for their rich, sweet flavours.
Yield in viticulture refers to the amount of grapes harvested per unit area, often measured in tons per acre or hectoliters per hectare. Managing yield is crucial for balancing grape quality and vine health, with lower yields generally associated with higher quality wine.
Acetic acid is a key component that contributes to the complex flavour profile of wine, recognized primarily for imparting a vinegary taste when present in high concentrations. Naturally occurring through the fermentation process, it is essential in small amounts for the wine’s overall balance, adding to its character and depth. […]
Brix is a scale used to measure the sugar content in grapes and wine, indicating the potential alcohol level once fermented. It’s a crucial measurement in winemaking, helping winemakers decide the optimal time to harvest the grapes. Higher Brix levels usually mean the grapes are riper, potentially leading to wines […]
Crianza is a Spanish wine classification term indicating that the wine has been aged for a minimum period, both in oak barrels and in the bottle, before release. For red wines, the requirement is usually a total of two years, with at least six months in oak. Crianza wines are […]
DOCG stands for “Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita,” the highest classification for Italian wines, representing a guarantee of the wine’s origin from a specific region and adherence to strict quality standards. This designation covers aspects such as grape varieties, yield limits, winemaking practices, and aging requirements. Wines with the […]