AVA – American Viticultural Area

AVA stands for American Viticultural Area, which is a designated wine grape-growing region in the United States recognized by the federal government. It helps to distinguish and regulate the origin of wines, as well as highlight the unique qualities and characteristics of the grapes grown in a particular region. An American Viticultural Area (AVA) is […]

Brut – Toast to the Drier Side of Life

Brut is a term used in the wine industry to describe a dry style of sparkling wine, particularly Champagne. It refers to the level of sweetness in the wine, with Brut indicating a wine that is very dry with minimal residual sugar. This term is important in the wine industry as it provides a way […]

Decanting – Does Wine Need to Breathe?

Decanting is the process of pouring wine from its original bottle into a separate container, usually a decanter. It is done to allow the wine to breathe and to separate it from any sediment that may have formed. Decanting can have a significant impact on the taste and aroma of the wine, making it smoother […]

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 […]

Grassy – Fresh Mown Grass in a Glass?

Grassy is a term used to describe the aroma and flavor of wine that has a green, herbaceous character, reminiscent of freshly cut grass. This characteristic is most commonly associated with wines made from white grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc and is often described as a hallmark of these wines. The grassy flavor in […]