Errázuriz Releases Its Organic Wine

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Errázuriz Releases Its Organic Wine GOOGOODD TOTOKNOKNOWW www.errazuriz.com Year 4, Nº 17, February 2005 Errázuriz releases its Organic Wine Vineyard: occurred at average temperatures of 27-29° The Don Maximiano Estate is located in the Celsius. This warm fermentation, which was Aconcagua Valley, a semi-desert region where followed by 30 days of maceration, allowed the hot summer days are cooled by afternoon maximum extraction of the ripe fruit flavours. breezes. The Max III sector of the estate has The wine was aged for twelve months in been farmed organically for more than three 100% French American oak barrels (40% years under supervision of BCS Öko-Garantie new). It was lightly filtered at bottling. GmbH, Germany under CEE 2092/91 ruling. The vineyard was planted in 1992 with Winemaker’s Comments: Cabernet Sauvignon and a bit of Shiraz. We Our Organic Cabernet Sauvignon represents harvested our first certified organically-grown a company-wide commitment to pursue crop in 2003. In 2004 the Soil Association of vineyard management techniques that respect the United Kingdom certified our organic the natural environment and emphasize vine project as well. Organic farming health as central to wine quality. The 2003 requires that no synthetic chemicals whatsoever be used for pest control. Our vineyard management techniques therefore focus on maintaining optimum vine health with balanced vigour, so that the individual plants are not susceptible to mite infestation or other insect-related problems. Weeds are controlled mechanically through periodic hoeing. The drip irrigation system allows us to carefully match the water supply to the plants’ needs, while a spur-pruned vertical trellis Vintage : 2003 ensures good aeration and sun exposure vintage is our first certified organic wine. Appellation : Aconcagua Valley Ruby red with violet highlights, the Cabernet Vineyard Source : Max III Winemaking: features black fruit and an earthy note on the Alcohol : 14.0% by vol. The grapes were hand picked in late March nose, while the Shiraz brings lively red fruit pH : 3.66 and early April using small boxes to protect and soft notes of spice and leather to the Total Acidity : 5.54 g/l (tartaric acid) the fruit from bruising. The majority of the blend. Strawberry appears on the palate along Variety : 97% Cabernet Sauvignon lots were not inoculated with commercial with tart cherries, chocolate, and cinnamon. yeasts, but rather were allowed to ferment The Cabernet’s firm but very elegant tannins 3% Shiraz with the wild yeasts that are naturally present turn friendlier with the sweetness added by on the grape skins. Whole-berry fermentation the Shiraz. How does a winery obtain an organic certification? n order for a winery to used in the maintenance of I become approved as a the vineyard. vineyard that produces • Proof of the officially organically grown wine, recognized organization that certain procedures must be certified the vineyard as followed, including. organic. • Proof of the date the • Proof of the vineyard from certified organic practices which the organically grown began. grapes originated. • A three-year “transition • Proof that no pesticides or period” for the organically other chemicals have been producing vineyard. Why is organic viticulture so important in Chile and specially in the Aconcagua Valley? he environmental is dry and windy with high Tconditions of Chile luminosity, and thus, make it are extremely favorable for very difficult for fungus What is organic producing wines organically. diseases to grow, excellent Chile borders the desert to for producing healthy viticulture? the north, the Pacific Ocean grapes. In addition, the short to the west, the Andes rainy season that occurs only ssentially, organic Mountains to the East, and in winter, characterizes E viticulture is vineyard the Antarctic to the south., Chile, and especially the management, using only natural and isolate the country from Aconcagua Valley, help processes and products of dangerous plagues, such as facilitate the “natural” natural or biological origin. phylloxera. Climate in Chile control of the vines. There are several important elements that contribute to successful vineyard management in organic viticulture, including Organic viticulture at Viña Errázuriz biodiversity and the utilization www.doblegiro.cl of natural additives, insects, and iña Errázuriz is taking During this period our animals. Vadvantage of the viticulturists learned how to conditions present in the effectively use nutritients to • Biodiversity is the elimination of • Animals also play a key role Aconcagua Valley to grow feed the vines, and how to the monoculture that has always in biodiversity. In Chile, for grapes organically. The utilize plants, animals and been the central characteristic of example, animals such as transition period to insects to help achieve a a vineyard. By adding another alpacas, sheep, turkeys, organically produced wines balance in the vineyards of crop to the existing vine habitat, goats, chicken, and geese begun in 1999 with 15 the Don Maximiano Estate. organic viticulturists have created contribute to effective hectares of Cabernet In 2004, The Soil an effective method of protecting vineyard management. Sauvignon and Shiraz at sector Association of the United and preserving the plants, as well These animals are used for III of the Don Maximiano Kingdom, body that exists as naturally adding nutrients to their manure, which adds Estate. During the three year to research, develop and the soil by attracting beneficial fertilizer to the soil. transition period, our winery promote sustainable [email protected] insects. These additional plants Additionally, the animals are carefully followed all of the relationships between the help prevent erosion, and by used as predators; they feed necessary steps to become soil, plants, animals and the offering a home for beneficial on the unwanted pests and certified by an officially biosphere, certified Viña insects, they diminish danger of keep weed pressure levels recognized organization (BCS Errázuriz organic project harmful pests. surrounding the vines down. Öko-Garantie of Germany). well. Errázuriz. Good to Know is a publication of the Marketing Department Viña.
Recommended publications
  • Microbial and Chemical Analysis of Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts from Chambourcin Hybrid Grapes for Potential Use in Winemaking
    fermentation Article Microbial and Chemical Analysis of Non-Saccharomyces Yeasts from Chambourcin Hybrid Grapes for Potential Use in Winemaking Chun Tang Feng, Xue Du and Josephine Wee * Department of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, Rodney A. Erickson Food Science Building, State College, PA 16803, USA; [email protected] (C.T.F.); [email protected] (X.D.) * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +1-814-863-2956 Abstract: Native microorganisms present on grapes can influence final wine quality. Chambourcin is the most abundant hybrid grape grown in Pennsylvania and is more resistant to cold temperatures and fungal diseases compared to Vitis vinifera. Here, non-Saccharomyces yeasts were isolated from spontaneously fermenting Chambourcin must from three regional vineyards. Using cultured-based methods and ITS sequencing, Hanseniaspora and Pichia spp. were the most dominant genus out of 29 fungal species identified. Five strains of Hanseniaspora uvarum, H. opuntiae, Pichia kluyveri, P. kudriavzevii, and Aureobasidium pullulans were characterized for the ability to tolerate sulfite and ethanol. Hanseniaspora opuntiae PSWCC64 and P. kudriavzevii PSWCC102 can tolerate 8–10% ethanol and were able to utilize 60–80% sugars during fermentation. Laboratory scale fermentations of candidate strain into sterile Chambourcin juice allowed for analyzing compounds associated with wine flavor. Nine nonvolatile compounds were conserved in inoculated fermentations. In contrast, Hanseniaspora strains PSWCC64 and PSWCC70 were positively correlated with 2-heptanol and ionone associated to fruity and floral odor and P. kudriazevii PSWCC102 was positively correlated with a Citation: Feng, C.T.; Du, X.; Wee, J. Microbial and Chemical Analysis of group of esters and acetals associated to fruity and herbaceous aroma.
    [Show full text]
  • The Catena Institute of Wine Publishes Groundbreaking Article in the Most Extensive Terroir Study of Any Varietal Wine
    The Catena Institute of Wine Publishes Groundbreaking Article in the Most Extensive Terroir Study of Any Varietal Wine Mendoza, Argentina – February 3, 2021 – The Catena Institute of Wine announces the publication of groundbreaking research, irrefutably proving the existence of terroir and its persistence across vintages. The article, “Terroir and vintage discrimination of Malbec wines based on phenolic composition across multiple sites in Mendoza, Argentina,” appears today in Scientific Reports, one of the most-cited journals in the world. The Institute chose to submit the study to Scientific Reports, a Nature Research journal, because of its rigorous peer review acceptance process and open access—making it available to everyone. “Mendoza is one of the few places in the world with strikingly different wine terroirs within short distances,” said Dr. Laura Catena, founder of the Catena Institute of Wine. “For the first time, this study shows that the terroir effect can be chemically described from vintage to vintage in larger regions as well as in smaller parcelas (parcels). We were able to predict with 100% certainty the vintage of each wine of our study through chemical analysis.” This study is the first to compare four different levels of terroir – three large regions, six departments, 12 geographical indications, and 23 individual parcelas (smaller than one hectare) – over three different vintages (2016, 2017 and 2018). Detailed climate data is provided in the study, along with the chemical analysis of 201 wines that were all microvinified under similar conditions. Chemometric data analysis made it possible to group the wines into distinctive regions and parcelas. In addition to predicting the vintage of each wine, 11 out of 23 parcelas could be identified by chemical analysis with 100% certainty, while the remaining 12 parcelas could be identified with up to 83% certainty.
    [Show full text]
  • Domaine Rostaing TECHNICAL INFORMATION René Rostaing Launched This Estate in 1971, but Continued to Split His Time Between Wine and Real Estate for Another 20 Years
    NORTHERN RHÔNE, FRANCE Domaine Rostaing TECHNICAL INFORMATION René Rostaing launched this estate in 1971, but continued to split his time between wine and real estate for another 20 years. René inherited the vineyards from two of the appellation’s historical titans, his father-inlaw, Albert Dervieux and then his uncle, the legendary Marius Gentaz, between 1989 and 1992. From these two, he also learned to value the noble style of classic Côte Rôtie. Since 2015, the domaine has been managed by René’s son, Pierre. Along with Jamet, Rostaing may have the finest vineyard holdings in private hands in Côte Rôtie. Pierre works over 7.5+ ha, in 14+ lieux-dits, including 1.6 ha in La Landonne, 1.2 ha in La Viallière, 1.0 ha in Côte Blonde, and 0.3 ha in Côte Brune. A majority of the vines were planted in the 1960s and 1970s, but some of the Viallière vines exceed 100 years old. In addition, he has a choice 1.0 ha in Condrieu, and works a 10 ha site in the Côteaux du Languedoc. Pierre adapts his methods to the vintage. Viticulture is lutte raisonée, with no artifical fertilizers or herbicides employed. Grapes are harvested by hand, reds are not generally destemmed, and fermentations proceed with their indigenous yeasts. Average yields are around 30hl/ha. Established: 1971 Proprietor/Winemaker: Pierre Rostaing Appellation: Côte Rôtie & Condrieu Soils: Schist dominates throughout the Rostaing holdings, while granite comes to dominate the estate’s Condrieu holdings. THE WINES Vineyard & Grapes Winemaking Average Production Côte Rôtie Vineyards from throughout the Maceration can vary from 7-20 days.
    [Show full text]
  • Terroir and Precision Viticulture: Are They Compatible ?
    TERROIR AND PRECISION VITICULTURE: ARE THEY COMPATIBLE ? R.G.V. BRAMLEY1 and R.P. HAMILTON1 1: CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Food Futures Flagship and Cooperative Research Centre for Viticulture PMB No. 2, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia 2: Foster's Wine Estates, PO Box 96, Magill, SA 5072, Australia Abstract Résumé Aims: The aims of this work were to see whether the traditional regionally- Objectifs : Les objectifs de ce travail sont de montrer si la façon based view of terroir is supported by our new ability to use the tools of traditionnelle d’appréhender le terroir à l'échelle régionale est confirmée Precision Viticulture to acquire detailed measures of vineyard productivity, par notre nouvelle capacité à utiliser les outils de la viticulture de précision soil attributes and topography at high spatial resolution. afin d’obtenir des mesures détaillées sur la productivité du vignoble, les variables du sol et la topograhie à haute résolution spatiale. Methods and Results: A range of sources of spatial data (yield mapping, remote sensing, digital elevation models), along with data derived from Méthodes and résultats : Différentes sources de données spatiales hand sampling of vines were used to investigate within-vineyard variability (cartographie des rendements, télédétection, modèle numérique de terrain) in vineyards in the Sunraysia and Padthaway regions of Australia. Zones ainsi que des données provenant d’échantillonnage manuel de vignes of characteristic performance were identified within these vineyards. ont été utilisées pour étudier la variabilité des vignobles de Suraysia et Sensory analysis of fruit and wines derived from these zones confirm that de Padthaway, régions d’Australie.
    [Show full text]
  • Is Precision Viticulture Beneficial for the High-Yielding Lambrusco (Vitis
    AJEV Papers in Press. Published online April 1, 2021. American Journal of Enology and Viticulture (AJEV). doi: 10.5344/ajev.2021.20060 AJEV Papers in Press are peer-reviewed, accepted articles that have not yet been published in a print issue of the journal or edited or formatted, but may be cited by DOI. The final version may contain substantive or nonsubstantive changes. 1 Research Article 2 Is Precision Viticulture Beneficial for the High-Yielding 3 Lambrusco (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapevine District? 4 Cecilia Squeri,1 Irene Diti,1 Irene Pauline Rodschinka,1 Stefano Poni,1* Paolo Dosso,2 5 Carla Scotti,3 and Matteo Gatti1 6 1Department of Sustainable Crop Production (DI.PRO.VE.S.), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Via 7 Emilia Parmense 84 – 29122 Piacenza, Italy; 2Studio di Ingegneria Terradat, via A. Costa 17, 20037 8 Paderno Dugnano, Milano, Italy; and 3I.Ter Soc. Cooperativa, Via E. Zacconi 12. 40127, Bologna, Italy. 9 *Corresponding author ([email protected]; fax: +39523599268) 10 Acknowledgments: This work received a grant from the project FIELD-TECH - Approccio digitale e di 11 precisione per una gestione innovativa della filiera dei Lambruschi " Domanda di sostegno 5022898 - 12 PSR Emilia Romagna 2014-2020 Misura 16.02.01 Focus Area 5E. The authors also wish to thank all 13 growers who lent their vineyards, and G. Nigro (CRPV) and M. Simoni (ASTRA) for performing micro- 14 vinification analyses. 15 Manuscript submitted Sept 26, 2020, revised Dec 8, 2020, accepted Feb 16, 2021 16 This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY license 17 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
    [Show full text]
  • Grape Growing
    GRAPE GROWING The Winegrower or Viticulturist The Winegrower’s Craft into wine. Today, one person may fill both • In summer, the winegrower does leaf roles, or frequently a winery will employ a thinning, removing excess foliage to • Decades ago, winegrowers learned their person for each role. expose the flower sets, and green craft from previous generations, and they pruning, taking off extra bunches, to rarely tasted with other winemakers or control the vine’s yields and to ensure explored beyond their village. The Winegrower’s Tasks quality fruit is produced. Winegrowers continue treatments, eliminate weeds and • In winter, the winegrower begins pruning • Today’s winegrowers have advanced trim vines to expose fruit for maximum and this starts the vegetative cycle of the degrees in enology and agricultural ripening. Winegrowers control birds with vine. He or she will take vine cuttings for sciences, and they use knowledge of soil netting and automated cannons. chemistry, geology, climate conditions and indoor grafting onto rootstocks which are plant heredity to grow grapes that best planted as new vines in the spring, a year • In fall, as grapes ripen, sugar levels express their vineyards. later. The winegrower turns the soil to and color increases as acidity drops. aerate the base of the vines. The winegrower checks sugar levels • Many of today’s winegrowers are continuously to determine when to begin influenced by different wines from around • In spring, the winegrower removes the picking, a critical decision for the wine. the world and have worked a stagé (an mounds of earth piled against the base In many areas, the risk of rain, hail or apprenticeship of a few months or a of the vines to protect against frost.
    [Show full text]
  • 2021 Vintage Chart
    GREAT OLDER VINTAGES FRANCE ith thousands of wines available at your Pomerol/ fingertips, it can be hard to figure out Saint-Émilion: 1989, 1985, 1982, 1978, 1970, what to drink when. To aid in your vinous 1964, 1961, 1959, 1955, 1953, 2021 VINTAGE CHART adventures, check our latest vintage chart 1949, 1947, 1945 A GENERAL RATINGS MATURITY to get an idea of which bottles to stash Médoc: 1986, 1982, 1978, 98–100 Classic W 1970, 1966, 1961, 1959, 1955, GUIDE TO THE away or pop open. Our expert reviewers base these ratings Hold 1953, 1949, 1947, 1945 QUALITY & 94–97 Superb Can drink, not yet at peak and maturity estimates on their vast tasting experience DRINKABILITY 90–93 Excellent Graves: 1982, 1978, 1970, and interviews with local winemakers, however, we can’t 1964, 1959, 1955, 1953, 1949, OF THE 87–89 Very Good Ready, at peak maturity absolutely guarantee every bottle will live up or down to 1947, 1945 WORLD’S 83–86 Good Can drink, may be past peak Sauternes: 1988, WINES 80–82 Acceptable generalizations —in the world of wine, there are exceptions In decline, may be undrinkable 1986, 1983, 1976, 1975, 1967 NV Not Vintage Year to every rule. Maturity estimates also assume proper storage NR Not Rated Not a declared vintage/no data Red Burgundy: conditions over the life of the wine. 1985, 1978, 1976, 1971, 1969, 1959, 1952, 1949, 1947, 1945 United States White Burgundy: Region Wine Variety 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1986, 1983, 1982, 1978 Napa Chardonnay
    [Show full text]
  • 'Terroir' the Port Vineyards Are Located in the North East of Portugal in The
    Geography and ‘terroir’ The Port vineyards are located in the north east of Portugal in the mountainous upper reaches of the Douro River Valley. This region lies about 130 kilometres inland and is protected from the influence of the Atlantic Ocean by the Marão mountains. The vineyard area is hot and dry in summer and cold in winter, excellent conditions for producing the concentrated and powerful wines needed to make port. The coastal area is humid and temperate, providing the ideal conditions in which to age the wine. The grapes are grown and turned into wine in the vineyards of the Douro Valley. In the spring following the harvest, the wine is brought down to the coast to be aged in the warehouses of the Port houses, known as ‘lodges’. The ‘lodges’ are located in Vila Nova de Gaia, a town located on the south bank of the River Douro facing the old city of Oporto. Until about sixty years ago, the wine was brought down the river from the vineyards to the coast in traditional boats called ‘barcos rabelos’. Most of the vineyards are planted on the steep hillsides of the Douro River valley and those of its tributaries, such as the Corgo, the Távora and the Pinhão. The oldest vineyards are planted on ancient walled terraces, some made over two hundred years ago. These have been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Douro Valley is considered to be one of the most beautiful and spectacular vineyard areas in the world. The soil of the Douro Valley is very stony and is made up of schist, a kind of volcanic rock.
    [Show full text]
  • [email protected] Lusso Means “Luxury
    Lusso Lusso means “luxury” in Italian. This luxurious Cabernet Sauvignon contains fruit from the St. Helena Appellation of Napa Valley and is 100% Estate Grown. Lusso comes from the best grapes we grow. Vintage: 2015 Harvest Notes: Problem free harvest that produced clean, healthy grapes resulting in high-quality wines despite the drought and a very small crop with a little uneven ripening. Picking ended in October. Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage: 2014 Harvest Notes: A dream vintage, with high quality throughout. Drought conditions and small crop size did prove to be minor irritants. Everything was ready to pick in mid- August. Tasting Notes: This wine has aromas of black licorice, nutmeg, and red currant with hints of mocha and cherry concluding with a velvet-like texture and silky finish. Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage: 2013 Harvest Notes: An ideal growing season with dry conditions and a long, sunny summer. Despite being a drought year it is worthy to be called superior. Tasting Notes: Aged 27 months on new French Oak this wine showcases flavors of blackberries, vanilla and espresso. This handcrafted Cabernet lingers on your palate long after the wine has left your glass. Blend: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon Vintage: 2012 Harvest Notes: An ideal season with no frosts, a mild spring and summer and a tranquil fall. We are elated by the quality and quantity of the 2012 harvest. There is a level of excellence that supersedes past vintages, going back decades. Tasting Notes: A youthful and exuberant purple hue offers classic Cabernet aromas of cassis, cocoa and brambly black cherries.
    [Show full text]
  • Big, Bold Red Wines Aromatic White Wines Full-Bodied
    “ A meal without wine is like a day without sunshine." WINE LIST - Brillat-Savarin At the CANal RITZ, we believe that wine should be accessible, affordable and enjoyable. This diverse selection of wines has been carefully designed to complement our menu and enhance your dining experience. Fresh, Lively Red Wines Available CHEERS! S A N T É! S A LU T E! in a Pinot Noir 2017, Blanville. Languedoc, France Generous fruit and spice notes. Glass, a Rioja 2017 Cosecha, Pecina. Spain ½ Litre Fresh, juicy and unoaked Tempranillo. bottle Gamay 2018, Southbrook. Niagara VQA (organic) and a A delicious and oh so drinkable Ontario wine Full Bottle Medium-Bodied Red Wines Syrah 2017, Camas. France (organic) Light, Dry White Wines A delicious organic wine from the Limoux region in the Pinot Grigio 2018, Giusti. Veneto, Italy South of France. Refreshingly crisp with zesty citrus and mango flavours. Sangiovese 2016, Dardo. Tuscany, Italy Riesling 2017, Southbrook. Niagara VQA (organic) Juicy red berry fruit, soft and silky on the palate, plush Dry as a bone and delicious, from one of Ontario’s tannins and flavourful. leading wineries. Chianti 2016, Lanciola. Tuscany, Italy Pinot Grigio 2017, Fidora. Veneto, Italy (organic) Made with dried grapes, this “Ripasso” style wine has This certified organic wine is refreshing with a distinct plenty of ripe fruit. minerality and crisp lemon and pear finish Frappato 2016, Vino Lauria. Sicily, Italy (organic) This deliciously atypical Sicilian wine is livelier than most wines from this hot island. Aromatic White Wines Sauvignon Blanc 2018, Middle Earth. New Zealand Rosso di Montalcino 2016, Fanti.
    [Show full text]
  • BIWC Entryform-2021-2021-7-2 Copy
    ENTRY DEADLINE ENTRY FORM 2021 Berlin International Wine Competition September 4th 2021 PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE CLEARLY Use separate entry form for products in different categories Award Announcement Company Contact and Registration Info Please be sure to include contact name and phone number Week of September 20th, 2021 COMPANY NAME: STREET ADDRESS: CITY: STATE: ZIP/POSTAL CODE: COUNTRY: TELEPHONE: (INCLUDE COUNTRY + AREA CODE) FAX: CONTACT NAME: TITLE OR POSITION: CONTACT TELEPHONE: CONTACT CELL: CONTACT EMAIL ADDRESS: MAIN CORPORATE WEBSITE: SEE BACK OF FORM FOR CATEGORY CODES Product Description Info CATEGORY CODE: PRODUCT NAME: AGE: 4 ENTRIES PER FORM 1 For additional entries please make copies of REGION OR TYPE: COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ALCOHOL %: BOTTLE SIZE (ML) RETAIL PRICE this form. Please visit: www.berlininternationalwinecompetition.com 2 CATEGORY CODE: PRODUCT NAME: AGE: for PDF copies of this form, rules, category codes and additional REGION OR TYPE: COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ALCOHOL %: BOTTLE SIZE (ML) RETAIL PRICE information. BIWC is not responsible for import/duty fees. CATEGORY CODE: PRODUCT NAME: AGE: Any material handling charges incurred as 3 costs for submission will be billed back to REGION OR TYPE: COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ALCOHOL %: BOTTLE SIZE (ML) RETAIL PRICE entrant at cost. No Wine will be judged with outstanding fees to BIWC and or Customs Broker. 4 CATEGORY CODE: PRODUCT NAME: AGE: Please retain a copy of all entry materials for your files. REGION OR TYPE: COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: ALCOHOL %: BOTTLE SIZE (ML) RETAIL PRICE PACK SAMPLES : (3) 750, 700, 500, or 333ml bottles for each entry along with a copy of this entry form.
    [Show full text]
  • Arborbrook Vintage Aging Chart
    Aging Wine The aging of wine, and its ability to potentially improve the quality, distin- guishes wine from most other consumable goods. Complex chemical reac- tions involving the wine’s sugars, acids, and tannins may alter the aroma, color, mouthfeel and taste of a wine that some palates find more pleasur- able. The ability of wine to age is due to many factors including varietal, vintage, viticultural practices, and winemaking style. The cellaring condi- tions also influence how well a wine may age. In general, wines with a low pH (such as Pinot Noir) have a greater capa- bility of aging. A high level of flavor compounds (such as tannins) will in- crease the likelihood of the ageability of a wine. White wines with the longest aging potential are those with a high amount of extract and acidity. The acidity in white wines plays a similar role to tannins in red wines in acting as a preservative. The ratio of sugars, acids and tannins is a key determination of how well a wine may age. Exposure to oak either during fermentation or after during barrel aging will introduce additional tannins to a wine, increasing the likelihood of a wine’s ability to bottle age well. The storage of wine will also influence aging. In general, a wine has a greater potential to develop complexity and a more aromatic bouquet if it is allowed to age slowly in a relatively cool environment. Wine experts rec- ommend keeping wine intended for aging in a cool area with a constant temperature around 55°.
    [Show full text]