July 2023

Understanding the role of Schist soils in Viticulture

Schist is a large group of coarsely crystalline metamorphic rocks (flaky appearance) that can be split into thin layers because their micaceous minerals have become aligned. These soils have the particularity of being able to store heat during the day and release it at night, which influences the maturity of the grapes and the growth of the vine. In addition, their friability allows the roots of the vine to be able to draw nutrients deep in the soil…

By @oray_wine, ago

What is ‘scion’ in viticulture?

A ‘scion’, in viticulture, is the piece of the fruiting vine that is grafted on to the quite separate rootstock. When grown, such a plant will have the leaves and desired fruit of one vine variety (Cabernet Sauvignon for example), but the roots of another variety, rootstock (110 Richter, for example)…

By @oray_wine, ago

Understanding the Saperavi grape variety

Saperavi is a distinctive red wine grape variety from Georgia known for adding color and acidity to a blend. As a single-varietal wine, it needs long bottle ageing to develop its full potential. The Saperavi grape has a black skin and deep pink flesh, which gives it a lot in common with Teinturier grape varietals. It matures slowly, produces little, and is well acclimated to the harsh Russian winters…

By @oray_wine, ago

What is ‘protein profiling’?

A recently created method called “protein profiling” employs mass spectrometry to pinpoint the grape variety or types in unfined juice or wine. The protein that is produced in the grapes after veraison serves to distinguish varieties. These proteins are relatively stable in juice and wine, unlike DNA…

By @oray_wine, ago