IGT stands for “Indicazione Geografica Tipica,” an Italian wine classification that recognizes wines that do not meet the strict criteria of DOC or DOCG designations but are of high quality and represent a specific geographic region. IGT wines offer flexibility in winemaking techniques and grape varieties, allowing for innovation and […]
Glossary
Méthode Champenoise is the traditional method of making Champagne and other high-quality sparkling wines. This process involves a secondary fermentation in the bottle, producing carbonation. The wine is then aged on its lees, contributing to complexity and depth of flavour, followed by riddling and disgorging to remove sediment. This labor-intensive […]
Neutral oak refers to barrels that have been used several times for aging wine and no longer impart significant oak flavours or tannins to the wine. These barrels provide the benefits of oxygenation without adding the strong vanilla, toast, or wood notes characteristic of new oak, allowing the wine’s fruit […]
Prosecco is a popular Italian sparkling wine made primarily from Glera grapes in the Veneto region. Characterized by its light, refreshing style with pear, apple, and floral notes, Prosecco is produced using the Charmat method, where secondary fermentation occurs in large steel tanks, preserving the wine’s freshness and fruitiness.
Pomace brandies are distilled spirits made from the pomace of grapes, the solid remains after pressing for wine. Examples include Grappa in Italy, Marc in France, and Orujo in Spain. These brandies capture the essence of the grape varieties used, offering a range of styles from clear and unaged to […]
Regional wine refers to wines that are typical of a specific geographic area, reflecting the characteristics and traditions of that region. These wines often adhere to regional regulations regarding grape varieties, winemaking practices, and labeling, aiming to showcase the unique terroir and cultural heritage of the area.
Sulfites are compounds used in winemaking as preservatives and antioxidants to protect wine from oxidation and bacterial spoilage. While naturally occurring in small amounts, additional sulfites are often added during the winemaking process. Some individuals may be sensitive to sulfites, leading to labeling requirements in many countries.
Sweet wines contain higher levels of residual sugar, offering flavours from slightly sweet to intensely sugary. Sweetness in wine can result from stopping fermentation early, using grapes with high natural sugar (late harvest), or adding sweetening components. Styles include dessert wines, late harvest wines, and fortified wines like Port.
Vintage refers to the year the grapes were harvested to make a wine, indicating the wine’s age and often suggesting the conditions and climate of that growing season. Vintage can significantly affect a wine’s quality and character, with some years being better than others due to weather conditions.
A wine glass is specifically designed for tasting wine, with various shapes and sizes tailored to different types of wine. The design, including the bowl, stem, and rim, influences the wine’s exposure to air, the concentration of aromas, and the tasting experience.