Amphora

The term "sediment" signifies the natural, organic by products of the winemaking and aging process. It is made up of grape solids (skins, seeds, pulp), dead yeast cells (lees) and tartarate crystals (wine diamonds).

Oxidation is a chemical reaction that occurs when oxygen in the air comes in contact with the alcohol in wine, converting ethanol into acetaldehyde, then acetic acid. It causes wines to lose their vibrant colors and reduces fresh fruit aromas.

The Crush refers to the period in late summer or fall when harvested grapes are mechanically broken to rupture their skins and release the juice, initiating the winemaking process.

Anthocyanins are natural polyphenol pigments located in the red grape skins, responsible for the red, purple and blue colors in young red wines. They determine the wine's hue, shifting from vibrant red to brownish orange as they age.

Oak imparts flavor, aroma and texture into wines through fermentation in oak barrels. These barrels act as gentle, breathable vessels that add complex notes and improve the wine's overall structure and mouthfeel.

Pruning is the essential act of cutting back dormant grapevines to remove old wood and limit the number of future buds. It is important for managing vineyard health, controlling grape yield and improving fruit quality.

Lees are the dead yeast cells, grape seeds and skins left over in the fermentation tank after fermentation. There are two types of lees; gross lees and fine lees.

TCA stands for 2,4,6-trichloroanisole, a chemical compound that causes "cork taint". It forms when natural fungi in corks or wooden barrels interact with chlorine in cleaning products, resulting in musty, moldy or wet cardboard aromas in wines.