Brewing Dictionary 📖
Commonly used winemaking terms and their meanings.
Cold Fermentation
Winemaking Process
Type of fermentation in cooled tanks. Because the process is slow it results in more fruity aromas and flavours in wine.
Decanting
Process
Pouring wine from a bottle into a container, you can use a decanter or an everyday pitcher. Decanting is done to remove any sediment or to allow the wine to aerate.
Dessert Wine
Type of Wine
Wines that are high in alcohol and very sweet, usually served with dessert.
Dry Wine
Type of Wine
Wines where there is almost no residual sugar, they are the opposite of sweet and can lead to a puckering sensation in the mouth.
Earthy
Wine Characteristic
A term that describes soil-like flavour.
Enology
The science of winemaking, also known as oenology.
Fermentation
Winemaking Process
The process of converting sugar into alcohol and carbon dioxide, in winemaking yeast turns grape juice into wine.
Fermenter
Winemaking Equipment
A container, usually a glass jar, stainless steel or plastic tank or a wooden barrel, used for fermentation.
Filtering
Winemaking Process
The process of clarifying wine before bottling by removing solid particles.
Fine Lees
Wine Byproduct
The finer sediment left after primary fermentation and racking, consisting mostly of dead yeast cells. May contribute desirable flavours and complexity.
As these cells break down they contribute primarily polysaccharides (long carbohydrates) and mannoproteins. Additionally they can bring out flavours of nuts, honey, bread, etc. The proteins can bind with tannins and help smooth out the wine.
