Final operations in the winemaking and ageing processes (mainly clarification).

 

One of the most typical producing areas of Charente, whose wines are distilled to produce cognac. Its brandies are less fine than the ones from Grande and Petite Champagne.

 

Wood used to make casks and barrels for ageing wine. It is not used for ageing quality wines.

 

Said of a well structured wine with good acidity and noble tannin, but with no harshness. A firm wine has body, presence, nerve and is mordant, though having no balance.

 

Also called isinglass, it is the swimming bladder of cartilaginous fishes that after being cleaned and dried is used for wine fining. After maceration in water, isinglass can be used in doses of 10g/hl of wine.

 

Difference between total acidity and volatile acidity.

 

Said of a soft, flat wine that is not consistent, has excess sugar and little fruity acidity.

 

With no acidity or character.

 

Large bottle with a long neck, typical of Chianti Toscano. In Italy, it goes by the name of fiasco.

 

Said of a wine that has deceptive qualities.