pH
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. Low pH wines will taste tart and crisp and they are more resistant to microbial spoilage, while wines with a higher pH tend to have a softer or “flabby” mouthfeel. Most white wines have a pH between 3.0 and 3.4, while red wines range from 3.3 to 3.6.
See Also
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).
Clarification
Wine clarification is a process winemakers use to remove suspended solids, such as dead yeast (lees), grape skins, pulp and proteins.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Anthocyanins
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.
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.