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 […]
Glossary
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, […]
A sommelier is a trained and knowledgeable wine professional, typically working in fine restaurants, who specializes in all aspects of wine service, including wine and food pairing. Sommeliers are responsible for the wine list, serving wine, and educating guests about different wines and their characteristics.
Sonoma County is a renowned wine region in California, USA, known for its diverse climates and soil types, supporting a wide range of grape varieties. Famous for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Zinfandel, Sonoma offers a variety of wine styles, from robust reds to crisp whites, showcasing the region’s […]
Unfiltered wines are those that have not undergone filtration to remove particles and sediments before bottling. This can result in a wine with more texture and potentially more complexity and depth of flavour, as it retains more of its natural components, but may also include visible sediment.