Dosage
Dosage
Dosage is the final step in producing traditional sparkling wine (such as Champagne). 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. The “dosage” balances the high acidity of the sparkling wine, smoothens flavors and determines the final sweetness levels.
See Also
Aging
Aging is a post fermentation process where wine rests in barrels (mainly oak) or bottles to undergo chemical changes that improves stability, develops complex flavors and clarifies the liquid.
Yeast
Yeast in wine is a microscopic, single celled fungus, typically Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which triggers fermentation by transforming the sugars in must into ethanol and carbon dioxide. Yeasts are essential for converting grape juice into wine and they determine its final alcohol content, aroma and flavor profile.
Assemblage
Assemblage is the French term for the process where winemakers combine different base wines that vary by grape variety, vintage or vineyard parcel, to create a balanced and complex final wine.
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.
Sediment
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).
Amphora
Amphora is a traditional clay or terracotta vessel used for fermenting, aging and storing wine. These vessels are neutral and porous, allowing micro oxygenation without adding oak flavors.
Racking
Racking refers to the process of transferring wine from one tank or barrel to another using gravity rather than a pump to separate clear liquid from sediment.
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.