Bottle aging is the process of allowing wine to mature in the bottle before it is opened. This aging can lead to the development of more complex flavours and aromas, as well as a softer texture. Not all wines benefit from bottle aging; some are best enjoyed young. However, wines […]
Glossary
Chablis is a famous wine region in Burgundy, France, known for producing exceptional dry white wines made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. Characterized by its crisp acidity, mineral notes from the region’s unique Kimmeridgian soil, and often a flinty freshness, Chablis wines range from simple and straightforward to complex and age-worthy. […]
Extraction in winemaking refers to the process of drawing out colors, flavours, and tannins from grape skins, seeds, and stems into the wine. This process is managed through techniques such as crushing, pressing, and maceration. The extent of extraction affects the wine’s color, taste, and texture. Winemakers carefully control extraction […]
Flavonoids are a group of natural compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems, contributing to the color, bitterness, and astringency of wine. These compounds include anthocyanins, which give red wine its color, and tannins, which affect texture. Flavonoids are also known for their antioxidant properties, contributing to the health […]
Inoculation in winemaking is the process of adding selected yeast strains to grape juice to start the fermentation process. This controlled fermentation allows winemakers to influence the wine’s flavour, aroma, and consistency. Inoculation provides more predictability and control over fermentation compared to relying on indigenous yeasts.
Lugana is a white wine region located on the southern shore of Lake Garda, in northern Italy. It is known for its delicate and refreshing white wines made primarily from the Turbiana grape (locally known as Trebbiano di Lugana). Lugana wines are appreciated for their balanced acidity, floral aromas, and […]
Non-Vintage (NV) refers to wines blended from grapes harvested in different years, common in Champagne and other sparkling wines. NV blending aims to achieve a consistent house style and quality across years, smoothing out variations between vintages. These wines can offer a reliable and characteristic expression of the producer’s style.
Pét-Nat, short for Pétillant Naturel, is a type of naturally sparkling wine made by bottling wine before it has finished fermenting, trapping carbon dioxide and creating bubbles. This ancient method, known as méthode ancestrale, produces wines that are often cloudy and less fizzy than those made with the traditional method, […]
A pip is a grape seed, found inside the grape berry. Pips are significant in winemaking as they contain tannins and oils that can contribute to the wine’s flavour, structure, and aging potential. During maceration and fermentation, winemakers manage contact with pips to extract desirable qualities without introducing excessive bitterness […]
Rebula, known as Ribolla Gialla in Italy, is a white grape variety primarily grown in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy and Slovenia. It produces high-acid wines with citrus and stone fruit flavours, often with a mineral edge. Rebula wines can range from fresh and light to complex and age-worthy, […]