Miscellaneous 2

Wine shatter is the term used for the phenomenon where a grape cluster does not reach maturity. Also known as coulure in French, wine shatter is caused by unfavorable climatic conditions. For example, if during pollination, the climatic conditions of a vineyard are too cloudy, cold, rainy, or the temperature is constantly high, coulure will […]

If you’ve been concerned about whether drinking wine is a healthy choice, you can lay your worries to rest. Numerous studies have established the health benefits of drinking wine in moderate amounts. Wine is not only heart-healthy, but it also offers many diverse health benefits that you may not even be aware of. An alcoholic

Once the second alcoholic fermentation is complete, the Champagne yeast dies, forming sediment of lees in the bottle. Then, over a period of months, these dead yeast cells start to break down, releasing chemical compounds into the wine, a process known as yeast autolysis. These contribute to the characteristic flavor of the Champagne, giving biscuit

Phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae) is an insect pest native to North America. Regrettably, the main Eurasian grapevine Vitis vinifera species is unable to defend itself against it. Consequently, it caused widespread destruction to the vineyards of Europe when it was accidentally introduced in the 19th Century. Phylloxera has a complex life cycle, taking different forms throughout

Tannins are perhaps the most important structural component in red wines since, essentially, they are a wine’s pucker power. They are extracted from the grape skins, stems, and seeds during alcoholic fermentation. Technically speaking, tannins are plant-derived polyphenols. For example, except grapes, and subsequently wine, tea also has tannins. Red wines that remain in contact

Leafroll virus (LFV) is a serious grapevine disease and concerns viticulture on a worldwide level. Leafroll is named after the foliar symptoms observed on grapevine varieties from the end of August to autumn. It is also referred to as Grapevine Leafroll-Associated Virus (GRLaV). Most grapevines affected by leafroll see reduced yields and quality of fruit.

Brettanomyces, also known as Brett, is a yeast that imparts plastic or animal aromas, such as sticking plasters, smoke, leather, or sweaty horses, to wine. To put it differently, Brettanomyces could cause spoilage in wines via the production of volatile phenol compounds. At first glance, these characters may seem unpleasant. However, many wine enthusiasts enjoy

Botrytis cinerea is a fungus or mold responsible for causing rot in many fruits, including wine grapes. In fact, grapes are highly susceptible to this fungus. Botrytis causes bunch rot, commonly known as grey rot or botrytis rot. While infecting a fruit, it also creates ideal conditions for the growth of spoilage organisms. Apart from

Beyond fermented grape juice in a glass, the influence of wine across the world is undeniable. Learning about how wine was, and still is, produced in different parts of the world, across different cultures, can even enrich your wine drinking experience. The production of wine has been shaped significantly by history and innovation. Understanding how

Whether it’s a wedding, a casual day off at home, or a night out with friends, a glass of wine always makes for a great companion to memorable moments. When it comes to wine consumption, the US ranks the highest in volume – perhaps owing to its large population and excellent local vineyards. Let’s have