Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are natural polyphenol pigments located in the skins of red grapes, which are responsible for the red, purple and blue colors in young red wines. Their concentrations often exceed 500 mg/L in full bodied reds, where they determine the wine’s hue, shifting from vibrant red to brownish orange as they age, due to polymerization and stabilization with tannins.
See Also
Viticulture
Viticulture is the branch of science that deals with the study, cultivation and harvesting of grapes specifically for winemaking. It includes all vineyard activities, such as planting, pruning, training vines, soil irrigation and pest control.
Hybrid
Hybrid varieties are created by crossing two or more different grapevine species to get a final product that offers resistance to cold, diseases and humidity, making them ideal for tough climates.
Yield
The yield signifies the amount of grapes or wine produced from a specific vineyard area, commonly measured in tons per acre in the US, or hectoliters per hectare in Europe. Lower yields are associated with better quality, while higher yields produce lighter and less concentrated wines.
Dosage
Dosage is the final step in producing traditional sparkling wine (such as Champagne) where a small amount of wine and sugar, known as liqueur d'expédition is added to the wine after sediment is removed (disgorgement), just before corking.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a soft organic acid produced during malolactic fermentation of wines. It smoothens the wine's total acidity, increases pH and adds creamy, buttery or velvety textures and flavors.
Harvest
The harvest marks the end of the vine growing cycle, typically occuring between August and October in the Northern hemisphere. It is the stage where ripe grapes are picked from the vineyard to begin winemaking.
Oak
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.
Maceration
Maceration in wine is the process of soaking crushed grape skins, seeds and stems in the juice (must) to extract color, tannins and aroma compounds.