Introduction Biodynamic farming in viticulture represents a holistic and sustainable approach to grape cultivation and wine production. This method, founded by Rudolf Steiner in 1924, is based on the principles of anthroposophy and views the farm as a living organism. It is one of the earliest movements towards organic agriculture, emphasizing respect for the spiritual dimension of the living and...
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Wine aromas offer insights into the wine’s varietal character, production methods, and maturation process. These aromas are classified into three categories: primary, secondary, and tertiary, each representing a different origin and stage in the wine's development. Table of Contents Primary Aromas Varietal Characteristics Terroir-Driven Profiles Secondary Aromas Vinification Influences Maturation Impact Tertiary Aromas Bottle Aging Complexity Oxidative Aroma Development What...
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French Wine Classifications: A Primer France employs a complex system of classifications to describe the roles and processes within its wine industry. These terms can define the origin and quality of the wines and also shed light on the business structures and practices behind each bottle. It is an intricate landscape. We hope that this primer will help you decoding...
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An Introduction to the World of Négociant Wines Wine, a beverage steeped in tradition, culture, and artistry, has its unique lexicon. Among the myriad terms, 'négociant' stands out, especially when discussing the business and production aspects of the wine industry.This article delves deep into the concept of négociant wines, tracing their historical significance, and their intersection with the natural wine...
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Hey there, wine lover! Ever wondered what's really in that glass of wine you're swirling? Whether you're a vegan enthusiast, a curious drinker, or just here for a good time, we're about to take a grape-tastic journey into the world of vegan wine. Fasten your seat belts (or cork screws), and let's dive into the vineyard of knowledge, one sip...
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Wine is so complicated! Or is it? Like any other human activity that has been going on for thousands of years, vine tending and winemaking definitely carry a heavy baggage of specific terms, definitions, and idiosyncratic ways of being in this world. Let's examine some of these in this ever-growing glossary.Table of Content [A] [B] [C] [D] [E] [F] [G]...
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Definition of Organic Farming Organic farming is a method of agricultural production that prioritizes environmental sustainability, soil health, and ecological balance. This practice differs from conventional farming methods in several key ways. While conventional farming often relies on synthetic chemicals and genetically modified organisms (GMOs), organic farming uses natural processes and substances. At its core, organic farming seeks to mimic...
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The Saignée method, from the French word "saigner" meaning "to bleed," is a specialized winemaking technique primarily used in the production of rosé wines, but it also serves a dual purpose in the concentration of red wines. In this article we will try and explore some aspects of this technique, that some find controversial. These are the topics we will...
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What is unfiltered wine? Unfiltered wine, is wine that has not been filtered before bottling. Filtration is a very common practice in winemaking: the wine is passed through substances or membranes to remove suspended particles. Quite intuitively, filtering a liquid might seem highly desirable. However, in this article we will examine reasons why this might not always be the case....
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One of the most debated topics in recent years is the concept of natural wine. As consumers become more conscious about the processes behind their food and drink, the demand for natural, organic, and biodynamic products has surged. But when it comes to natural wine, is there an official certification that guarantees its authenticity? At its core, natural wine is...
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In this article we will try to simplify as much as possible an incredibly complex topic. It is by no means an exhaustive piece, but just an overview that will put us in the right direction to understand some basic facts about yeast and fermentation. Fermentation, whether it's spontaneous or controlled, is one of the most important processes in winemaking....
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Alcoholic fermentation accompanied the evolution of humankind. The first evidence of such practice dates back to 7,000 BCE, but scientists have reasons to believe that it was actually known long before. Humans evolved fermenting stuff. As I was doing some research for these slides, I was struck by the fact that there is virtually no culture in the world where...
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If you’re looking to ease into this hot fall season look no further than the crisp, fizzy wine treat – piquette. Some people turn to an ale when the leaves change, but if you’re wanting something different that’s somewhere between a sour beer and wine spritzer then crack open a piquette and enjoy. It’s the prickly low ABV sweeping trend...
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Welcome back to the temple of all that is amber and has been sanctified on the glory of the #sacredskins. We continue our journey through the multi-faceted world of orange wines. At the risk of being repetitive, we’d like to first re-establish what we’re talking about and then dispel one myth. When speaking about orange wines, AKA skin contact white...
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Someone once said: “A white wine fermented without any time on the skins is like listening to Pink Floyd covered by Justin Bieber and thinking you know what rock music is.” EPIPHANYI admit it, that someone was me and every time I look back at the first time I tried what is now commonly known as orange wine I relive...
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Buying organic is a no-brainer for millions of people across the country. An ever-increasing level of attention is paid not only to what we put in our body but more generally what we buy. Ethical, sustainable, artisanal, hand-made, and small-production are attributes we often look for when purchasing products, not only food products. Why then do a vast majority of...
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Terroir is the favorite word of winemakers, vignerons, sommeliers, and wine lovers. It's used in various contexts and sometimes with shifting meaning. But what does terroir actually mean? And more importantly, what is the role of terroir for the quality of a wine? A Definition of Terroir The word terroir, etymologically stemming from the latin word 'terratorium', which means land...
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In the wine world of today sulfites are a hot topic creating both debate and sometimes confusion. Let's try and dispel some of the myths surrounding the use of sulfites in winemaking. What are Sulfites? Sulfites, or sulfur dioxide (SO2), is a chemical compound naturally occurring or produced in a laboratory, which is used as a preservative for wine and...
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Pop, Six, Squish, Uh uh, Cicero, Lipschitz! That’s the line from Chicago – a Broadway musical for those who aren’t musical theatre enthusiasts – that comes to mind when you take a sip of a wine that’s produced through carbonic maceration. Although it is created through a fairly mechanical process that some might call “sciency”, what it creates is a...
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Skin contact wines, how daring and different, and guess what it is! Skin contact wine is a popular trendy oddity that is taking off. It’s like your cool, vintage-clad neighbor who wears tinted sunglasses everywhere they go and you wonder not only where they’re going, but also where did they get those boots? Can I be them? Skin contact wines...
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How do we have a great day? Have a little rosé, that’s what I say! All of the cheers and fun songs aside, rosé is the go-to wine of choice when you want to keep things easy and light with potential for cheekiness and deep conversations. Its famous pink hue and breezy attitude are catching. Rosé is the guest at...
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What is a Pét-nat Pétillant Naturel (a.k.a. “Pét-nat”) is the natural sparkling wine that thinks outside the special-occasion drink. Pét-nat’s are your spontaneous fast friend who takes you to a secret warehouse party where John Legend happens to be there. They’re fun, accessible, and ready for you to dive into the adventure! Pét-nat dates back pre-Champagne and is made using...
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