Blanc de Noirs, translating to “white from blacks,” refers to white wines or sparkling wines made from dark-skinned grape varieties, primarily Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. This style is notable for its body and complexity, with a fuller texture than Blanc de Blancs. The wines often exhibit a range of […]
Glossary
A clone in viticulture refers to a vine that has been selectively propagated from a single parent vine to emphasize specific characteristics, such as flavour profile, yield, or disease resistance. Different clones of the same grape variety can produce wines with distinct qualities. Winemakers choose specific clones to match their […]
A “corked” wine has been contaminated by cork taint, which is caused by the compound 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA). This fault gives the wine a musty, moldy cardboard smell and taste, masking its natural fruit flavours. Cork taint can affect wines irrespective of price or quality, stemming from the cork itself or, […]
Fermentation is the critical winemaking process where yeast converts the sugars in grape juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide, creating wine. This natural transformation occurs under controlled conditions and can vary in duration, affecting the wine’s character. Besides alcohol, fermentation produces other compounds that contribute to the wine’s aroma and […]
Garnacha, known as Grenache in France, is a red wine grape variety that originated in Spain. It is versatile, used in both red and rosé wines, and is known for its berry flavours, spice notes, and soft tannins. Garnacha thrives in warm, dry climates and contributes to the body and […]
A keg in winemaking is a small barrel or container used for storing and serving wine, especially in settings where wines are sold by the glass or in larger volumes. Wine kegs, often made of stainless steel, are an efficient, eco-friendly alternative to bottles, reducing packaging waste and preserving wine […]
Malbec is a purple grape variety used in making red wine, originally from France but now associated primarily with Argentina. It produces rich, full-bodied wines with robust tannins and flavours of dark fruit, such as plum and blackberry, often with a smoky or spicy finish. Malbec has thrived in Argentina, […]
Organic in winemaking refers to practices that exclude the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, and herbicides in the vineyard. Organic winemaking aims to maintain ecological balance, promote biodiversity, and rely on natural substances and physical, mechanical, or biologically based farming methods. Organic wines are made with grapes grown according […]
Pegging down is a viticultural technique where vine shoots or canes are bent and secured to the ground to promote horizontal growth. This can encourage the development of secondary shoots, potentially increasing fruitfulness or managing vine growth in a desired direction for better sunlight exposure and air circulation.
Pruning is a vital vineyard management practice where excess vine growth is removed to regulate yield, ensure healthy vine development, and improve grape quality. Proper pruning helps to balance fruit and foliage, concentrate the vine’s energy, and can influence the timing of bud break, flowering, and harvest.