Lees

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.