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WINEGROWER JARGON: 3 EXPRESSIONS TO DECIPHER

392 Views Posted on: 2024-06-10
 

Expressions from Our Winemakers

Now that you understand the difference between a winemaker and a winegrower, let's explore some typical expressions used by winemakers.

1) "Faire sa malo"

A common term in winemaking jargon, "faire sa malo" refers to malolactic fermentation, a process that occurs after alcoholic fermentation. Triggered by bacteria, "malo" converts malic acid into lactic acid. This process reduces the acidity of the wine, making it smoother and more pleasant for tasting.

2) "Vendanger en vert"

Here's another expression that might be misleading if taken literally. Hearing a winemaker say "I'm going to vendange en vert" might make you think they're cutting green grapes or dressing in green! In reality, "vendanger en vert" refers to a practice where some grape clusters are removed from the vine at the start of ripening (usually during the summer). This technique helps the remaining grapes ripen more fully and achieve a more concentrated juice.

3) "Clarifier le vin"

This phrase might sound peculiar. It doesn’t mean that winemakers are making their wines easier to understand, but rather more enjoyable to drink. Winemakers sometimes add a substance composed of one or more amino acids to capture and remove particles from the wine. This method, known as "fining," aids in filtration, which involves removing particles and sediments to achieve a clear liquid. Some winemakers use both fining and filtration to optimize the "clarification" of their wines.