Q & A
What do we call vine trellises?
Trellises are permanent structures made of posts and wires that help to support and position the vine’s shoots. They offer many advantages…
Q & A
What is a ‘Butt barrel’?
A ‘Butt’ barrel is a type of barrel usually associated with Sherry production in Jerez Spain. It is traditionally made from American oak and has a capacity of between 600 and 650 liters (172 gal). A ‘Bota Chica’ or ‘shipping barrel’ holds 500 liters…
Q & A
What is a ‘BYO’ restaurant?
A ‘BYO’ restaurant is a “Bring Your Own” wine restaurant where restaurant owners allow customers to bring their own wine. It was introduced in Australia and New-Zealand in order to offer the maximum pleasure to wine drinkers with the minimum price possible…
Q & A
What is the ‘droit de bouchon’?
The ‘droit de bouchon’ is a French expression that can be translated in English as ‘corkage’ that is used to designate a charge usually levied in a restaurant for each bottle of wine brought and consumed on the premise…
Q & A
What is the meaning of “Frontignac”?
Occasionally, grapey, sweet wines can be referred to as “Frontignac”…
Q & A
What is a “decanting cradle”and how to use it?
A ‘decanting cradle’ is a bottle carrier, generally made of metal or wicker, which is particularly helpful for very old wine bottles that have been stored horizontally for a long time…
Q & A
What is the meaning of “oeil-de-perdrix”?
The term « oeil-de-perdrix » is a French expression that can be translated into English as “Partridge’s eye”.
Q & A
What is ‘laccase’?
The ‘Laccase’ is a powerful oxidizing enzyme that is connected to Botrytis (bunch rot developing under certain conditions), which causes browning of grape must.
Q & A
What is the role of wood tannins in the wine maturing and aging process?
Wood tannins and other phenolics give color and astringency to a finished wine. Also, given that wine is biologically active during the aging process, tannins extracted from wood during this prolonged contact period will balance the wine’s oxidative-reductive cycle, preventing oxidation and reducing the likelihood of off-putting reductive smells.
Q & A
What role do ‘Terpenes’ play in the wine maturing and aging process?
Essential oils known as “terpenes” can be found in American oak and, to a lesser extent, in certain French oak.