French Oak – Flavor and Finesse From the Forest

French oak is a type of oak commonly used in the production of wine barrels. French oak is known for its high quality and distinctive flavor profile, which can impart unique characteristics to the wine aged in these barrels. In this entry, we will explore the significance of French oak in winemaking, and compare it […]

Hydrometer – How Alcohol in Wine is Measured

A hydrometer is a tool used in winemaking and viticulture to measure the density of liquids, including wine must and juice. It is used to determine the sugar content of the juice, which is an important factor in the wine-making process, as it helps to predict the alcohol content and potential alcohol level of the […]

Inoculation – Juice or Must Plus Yeast

Inoculation is a key process in winemaking that involves the addition of selected strains of yeast or bacteria to a wine must to control the fermentation process and produce desirable flavors and aromas in the resulting wine. The process of inoculation can be performed using commercial yeast strains or by relying on natural fermentation to […]

Isinglass – Fish Bladder in My Wine? Please Clarify?

Isinglass is a protein derived from the swim bladder of fish, which is commonly used as a fining agent in winemaking. It is added to wine to help remove solids and impurities, resulting in a clearer, brighter, and more stable final product. Making wine can sometimes cause it to look cloudy due to the presence […]

Jéroboam – A Symbol of Celebration and Luxury

Jéroboam is a wine bottle size that holds 3 liters, which is equivalent to four standard 750 ml bottles. The name “Jéroboam” is derived from the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel in the Old Testament. Jéroboam is one of the larger formats of wine bottles and is typically used for special occasions […]