Sulfites
Sulfites
Sulfites (sulfur dioxide or SO₂) are chemical compounds naturally produced by yeast during wine fermentation. They act as preservatives, also commonly added by winemakers to prevent bacterial growth, spoilage and oxidation. All wines contain sulfites, whether natural or added, ranging from 50 to 100 mg/L. In the US, wines with more than 10mg/L of sulfites must be labelled “Contains Sulfites”.
See Also
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).
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.
Crush
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.
Irrigation
Irrigation is the artificial application of water to vineyards to provide the necessary 25-35 inches of annual water in dry climates.
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.
pH
The pH of wine is the measure of its total acidity (hydrogen ion concentration), typically ranging from 2.9 to 4.0 in most wines.
Lees
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.
Pruning
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.