Grüner Veltliner is Austria’s most widely planted white wine grape, known for producing refreshing, aromatic wines with high acidity. It offers a range of flavours from green apple and citrus to white pepper and herbal notes, with an ability to age well. Grüner Veltliner wines vary from light and crisp […]
Glossary
Lees refers to the sediment that settles at the bottom of the fermenting vessel after yeast has completed the fermentation process. Consisting of dead yeast cells and other solids, lees can be left in contact with the wine during aging to add complexity, body, and flavour through a process called […]
Meritage is a trademarked name for Bordeaux-style red and white blended wines made in the United States. Red Meritage blends are based on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and other Bordeaux varietals, while white Meritage blends use Sauvignon Blanc, Sémillon, and occasionally Muscadelle. These wines are crafted to emulate the quality and […]
Oxidation in wine occurs when it is exposed to air, leading to chemical changes that can alter its color, aroma, and flavour. While controlled oxidation can contribute to the complexity and character of some wine styles, excessive oxidation typically results in undesirable flavours often described as stale or flat.
The pergola is a trellising system used in viticulture where grapevines are trained to grow on a framework of overhead beams. This method allows for maximized leaf area exposure to sunlight, improving photosynthesis and grape ripening. It’s common in regions with high sun exposure to protect grapes from sunburn while […]
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 […]
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.