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 …
Have you ever poured a glass of wine only to realize that it has a strange moldy smell? Did your wine suddenly become flat and tasteless? If you have faced such situations, then your wine was most likely cork tainted or “corked.” So, what is cork taint? Cork taint is a term used to describe …
