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Ethyl Acetate

Ethyl Acetate - wine wiki

Ethyl acetate is a volatile ester formed during the fermentation process in wine. In small concentrations, it adds fruity, pleasant aromas to the wine, often likened to pear drops or apple. However, when present in larger amounts, it can take on more negative qualities, with aromas resembling nail polish remover or glue. The presence of this compound is often a sign of how the wine was fermented and aged, and in higher concentrations, it can be an indication of a winemaking fault.

Ethyl acetate forms naturally when ethanol (alcohol) reacts with acetic acid (another byproduct of fermentation). While trace amounts of it are found in most wines, careful winemaking techniques can prevent it from becoming overpowering. In wines where it’s well-managed, ethyl acetate contributes to the complexity of aromas, especially in whites and sparkling wines.

If a wine smells overly sharp or chemically, it could be a sign that ethyl acetate levels are too high, which might point to an issue during fermentation or improper storage. Wines with excessive ethyl acetate often taste out of balance and may also have hints of acetic acid, making them sour or vinegar-like. Winemakers work to control the development of this ester through proper hygiene and careful monitoring during the winemaking process.

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Extraction

Extraction - wine wiki

Extraction in winemaking refers to the process of pulling out compounds such as tannins, pigments, and flavors from grape skins, seeds, and stems during fermentation. This process is especially important in red winemaking because it determines the wine’s color, structure, and overall depth of flavor. The intensity varies depending on the winemaking style, grape variety, and the desired characteristics of the final wine.

During fermentation, grape skins are kept in contact with the juice to extract these essential components. Winemakers use different methods to manage extraction, such as pump-overs (circulating the juice over the cap of skins) and punch-downs (submerging the cap of skins into the juice). The amount of time the wine spends on the skins is a critical factor, as longer maceration periods generally result in more intense flavors, tannins, and color.

Winemakers carefully control the extraction process to avoid harsh tannins or overly astringent wines. For example, in softer, fruitier red wines like Pinot Noir, gentle extraction is often preferred to preserve elegance and finesse. In contrast, bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah benefit from more aggressive extraction techniques to build structure and body.

Ultimately, extraction plays a crucial role in defining a wine’s aging potential. Wines with higher levels of tannins and structure often improve over time, while wines with lighter extraction are typically enjoyed young. It’s a delicate balance that skilled winemakers fine-tune to achieve the desired style.

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Elevage (Élevage)

Élevage - wine wiki

Élevage is a French term used in winemaking to describe the process of “raising” or maturing a wine from the end of fermentation to its bottling. Just as a child is nurtured and developed over time, wine undergoes several stages of refinement during élevage. The process involves a series of techniques aimed at shaping the wine’s character, flavors, and texture. Élevage often includes aging the wine in barrels (sometimes new or used oak), stainless steel tanks, or concrete vats, depending on the desired style and outcome.

One key aspect of élevage is how long the wine is allowed to age and in what conditions. The choice between oak or stainless steel, for example, has a significant impact on the final product. Oak aging typically imparts flavors like vanilla, spice, or toast to the wine, while stainless steel preserves freshness and purity. During this time, the wine may also be racked, meaning it is transferred from one vessel to another to help clarify the wine by removing sediment.

Fining and filtering are often part of élevage as well, techniques used to clarify the wine and ensure stability before bottling. Fining agents such as egg whites or bentonite clay help bind to unwanted particles, while filtration removes any remaining sediments or bacteria.

The choices made during élevage—whether to allow longer barrel aging or less intervention—play a crucial role in the final taste, texture, and balance of the wine. A well-executed élevage can bring harmony and complexity to a wine, preparing it for aging or immediate enjoyment.

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Domaine St-Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades 2017: A Bold Southern Rhône Beauty

Domaine St-Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades

If you’re looking for a wine that embodies the rustic charm and intensity of the Southern Rhône, Domaine St-Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades 2017 is a must-try. This stunning vintage comes from the heart of Gigondas, an appellation known for crafting powerful reds with incredible depth and structure.

A Visual Delight

In the glass, this wine is a deep, inky ruby—a color that hints at the concentration waiting within. Swirling the glass, you can almost see the richness clinging to the sides, promising a wine that’s as full-bodied as it looks.

On the Nose

The aromas leap out with an intoxicating mix of dark fruits—blackberries, plums, and black cherries—all intertwined with earthy undertones of garrigue (the wild herbs of Provence) and a dash of spice. There’s also a whiff of leather and smoky minerals, adding to its complexity.

The Taste Experience

Take a sip, and you’ll be greeted by a burst of ripe, juicy fruit. Blackberries, plums, and figs dominate, with layers of licorice, pepper, and a subtle hint of lavender rounding out the palate. Therefore, the Les Souteyrades is full-bodied and bold, yet it manages to maintain a wonderful balance. Its fine tannins give it structure without overwhelming the fruit. Also, there’s a refreshing acidity that keeps the wine lively, preventing it from feeling too heavy. The finish is long, leaving behind traces of spice and dark chocolate that linger.

Food Pairing Suggestions

This is a wine that begs to be paired with hearty dishes. Think slow-cooked lamb, grilled steak, or a rich ratatouille. Its depth and complexity also make it a great companion to aged cheeses or even a robust charcuterie board. The wine’s herbal notes will perfectly complement dishes featuring rosemary or thyme.

Conclusion: Domaine St-Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades

Domaine St-Damien Gigondas Les Souteyrades 2017 is a powerhouse of a wine, yet it remains elegant and drinkable. It’s perfect for those who appreciate a rich, complex red with a bit of rugged Rhône character. Whether you’re sharing it with friends over a meal or savoring it on a quiet evening, this wine is sure to impress.

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Nose

Nose - wine wiki

The term “nose” in wine refers to the overall aroma or bouquet that you experience when smelling a wine. A wine’s nose can provide valuable insights into its flavor profile and quality before you even take a sip. It is a combination of primary aromas (those from the grape itself), secondary aromas (derived from the winemaking process, such as fermentation), and tertiary aromas (developed through aging, whether in the bottle or barrel).

When evaluating a wine’s nose, sommeliers and wine enthusiasts will often swirl the glass to release the wine’s aromatic compounds. They then take short, concentrated sniffs to pick up on the different scent layers. Common aromas include fruit, floral, herbal, earthy, and even spicy or smoky notes, depending on the type of wine. For instance, a young Cabernet Sauvignon might have a nose full of blackberries and green bell pepper, while an aged Nebbiolo might have a nose rich with leather, roses, and tar.

The nose plays a crucial role in wine tasting and evaluation because it can reveal a wine’s complexity, flaws, and potential for aging. A well-developed nose can indicate a high-quality wine, while off-putting or dull aromas might suggest a wine has issues like oxidation or cork taint. Overall, it is one of the most engaging aspects of wine, enhancing the experience of tasting and enjoying it.

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Non-Vintage (NV)

Non-Vintage - wine wiki

Non-Vintage (often abbreviated as NV) refers to wines that are made from a blend of grapes from different harvest years. This practice is particularly common in the production of sparkling wines, especially Champagne. In regions like Champagne, where the weather can vary greatly from year to year, blending wines from multiple vintages helps winemakers create a consistent house style. This ensures that consumers get a product that reflects the signature taste of the winery, regardless of variations in climate or growing conditions.

NV wines are not subject to the same aging requirements as vintage-dated wines. However, this doesn’t mean they are of lesser quality. In fact, many NV wines are highly prized, especially when they represent a producer’s skill in blending different components to create a harmonious and balanced final product. Non-Vintage Champagnes, for example, are often aged for several years to allow the wine to develop its complexity before being released to the market.

One of the advantages of NV wines is that they tend to be more affordable than vintage wines, making them accessible to a broader audience. Non-Vintage sparkling wines and Champagnes are often enjoyed on festive occasions and are appreciated for their approachable, consistent style.

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Négociant

Négociant - wine wiki

A Négociant is a wine merchant who buys grapes, must (freshly pressed grape juice), or even finished wine from smaller producers and sells the wine under their own label. The role of Négociants is particularly important in regions like Burgundy and Champagne, where vineyard ownership is often fragmented into many small plots. These small-scale producers may not have the resources to make or market their own wine, so they sell their grapes or unfinished wine to a Négociant, who then oversees the production, bottling, and distribution.

There are two main types of Négociants: Négociant-éleveurs and Négociant-manipulants. Négociant-éleveurs are involved in aging and finishing the wine, while Négociant-manipulants simply sell wines produced by others. In either case, they play a crucial role in the wine industry, helping to bring high-quality wines to a wider market. They often have the resources and expertise to produce wines on a larger scale, even from grapes grown by small, independent farmers.

Many Négociants have built prestigious brands, with some producing exceptional wines that rival those made by individual estate owners. In regions like Burgundy, where small vineyard plots produce very limited quantities, they help to bring wines from some of the world’s most renowned appellations to wine lovers around the globe.

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Nebbiolo

Nebbiolo - wine wiki

Nebbiolo is one of Italy’s most renowned red grape varieties, primarily grown in the Piedmont region. It is famously used to produce prestigious wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, which are known for their powerful structure and aging potential. Nebbiolo is a demanding grape to grow. It requires specific conditions—cool, foggy mornings and warm, sunny afternoons—to fully ripen. Despite its slow ripening, Nebbiolo grapes are usually among the first to bud and among the last to be harvested. This long growing season allows the grape to develop complex flavors and firm tannins.

Nebbiolo wines are typically light-colored but very tannic, with high acidity, which makes them ideal for long aging. With time, these wines transform from astringent and harsh to smooth, elegant, and deeply complex. Young Nebbiolo wines often feature aromas of fresh red fruits, like cherry and raspberry, along with floral notes of rose and violet. As the wine ages, it takes on more earthy, savory characteristics, including truffle, tar, leather, and tobacco.

Nebbiolo pairs beautifully with rich, hearty dishes that can stand up to its tannins and acidity. Traditional pairings include braised meats, game, and truffle-infused dishes. Although Nebbiolo is most famous in Piedmont, some producers grow it in other parts of the world, including the United States and Australia. However, the best expressions of this grape are still widely considered to come from its homeland in Italy.

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Grafting

Grafting - wine wiki

Grafting is an important viticultural technique that involves attaching one vine (the scion) to the rootstock of another vine. This practice has been used for centuries, but it became especially important in the 19th century when European vineyards faced the devastating phylloxera plague. Phylloxera is a tiny insect that attacks grapevine roots, and it nearly wiped out all of Europe’s vineyards. To combat this, European growers began grafting their vines onto American rootstock, which was resistant to phylloxera.

The process of grafting allows winemakers to combine the best qualities of two different plants. The rootstock provides a sturdy, pest-resistant base, while the scion grows into the vine that produces fruit. This technique not only protects vineyards from pests but also allows winemakers to adapt to different soil types and climates. Grafting also helps winemakers propagate specific grape varieties without starting from seeds, ensuring the consistency of their vineyards.

In the modern wine world, nearly all commercial vineyards use grafted vines. It allows winemakers to focus on growing the best grape varieties for their specific region while ensuring that the vines have the best possible chance of survival. Grafting can also help with disease resistance, improve water efficiency, and even enhance grape yields. The process is delicate and requires skill, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

Grafting is now a standard practice in viticulture, and it continues to evolve as researchers develop new rootstocks that offer better disease resistance or improved adaptability. It plays a crucial role in ensuring the future of wine production, allowing winemakers to protect their vines while continuing to produce high-quality wine. Without grafting, many of the world’s vineyards would not exist today.

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Gamay

Gamay - wine wiki

Gamay is a red grape variety most famous for its use in Beaujolais, a wine region in France just south of Burgundy. It produces light-bodied, fruity wines with a fresh and youthful character. Gamay wines are known for their vibrant red fruit flavors, especially cherry, raspberry, and strawberry. These wines often have floral and earthy undertones, making them a delightful choice for those who enjoy easy-drinking reds.

The most famous expression of Gamay is Beaujolais Nouveau, a young wine released just weeks after the harvest. This wine is meant to be consumed shortly after its release, offering a playful, fresh take on the grape’s natural fruitiness. Beaujolais Nouveau has become a global phenomenon, celebrated with festivals and parties in late November. However, not all Gamay wines are as light and playful. Beaujolais Crus, such as Morgon, Moulin-à-Vent, and Fleurie, offer more complexity and structure, showcasing the grape’s potential for depth and age-worthiness.

Gamay grapes thrive in granitic soils, which are common in Beaujolais. The climate in the region is perfect for this grape, with warm summers and cool autumns allowing the fruit to ripen fully while maintaining its signature acidity. The wines made from Gamay are usually low in tannins, which makes them very approachable. They can be enjoyed slightly chilled, making them perfect for summer picnics or light meals. Gamay pairs wonderfully with charcuterie, roasted chicken, and soft cheeses. Its versatility and light structure make it a favorite for casual wine lovers and connoisseurs alike.

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