Lees
Lees
“Lees” refers to 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. Gross lees are large sediments like yeast, skins and seeds that are removed immediately after fermentation to avoid off flavors. Fine lees on the other hand, are smaller yeast particles, often left to age with wine to add texture, body and complex aromas like bread, cream and toast.
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.
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.
Fermentation
Fermentation is a natural biochemichal process where yeast consumes the natural sugars in grape juice and converts them into alcohol, carbon dioxide and heat. At the end of fermentation, grape juice is converted into wine.
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Saccharomyces Cerevisiae is the major yeast species involved in wine fermentation. Also known as "wine yeast" or "baker's yeast", it converts the sugar in grape juice to ethanol and carbon dioxide, creating wine.
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.
TCA
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.
Malic Acid
Malic acid is a naturally occuring organic acid in wine grapes, primarily found in unripe or cool climate berries. It gives a sharp acidity, tartness and freshness to wine.
Must
Grape must is the freshly pressed, unfermented grape juice which contains the fruit's skins, seeds and sometimes stems (collectively referred to as pomace).