Common Wine Terminologies

Last night, my wife and I were invited to do a tasting of Pisoni Vineyards at our favorite wine bar called Friends of the Vine in Redondo Beach, CA. Mark and Gary Pisoni were both there to talk about their wines. During the Q & A session, I realized there are terminologies in wine making that can be a little confusing. Gary did a good job in explaining everything so I thought I would highlight some of the questions that were asked last night in my blog.

What is the difference between a winery and a vineyard?

A vineyard is where grapes are grown and a winery is where the wine is made. Not every vineyard has a winery and not every winery has a vineyard. For example, Ken Brown Wines does not have their own vineyard. Instead, Ken purchases his grapes from various vineyards and designates them by the label of his wine. Ken Brown Clos Pepe pinot is from the Clos Pepe vineyard while the Ken Brown Cargasacchi pinot is from the Cargasacchi vineyard. Wines that are labeled "estate" wines would indicate that wine owning their own vineyard.

Wineries are normally temperature controlled and is where the crushing, barrelling and fermentation process takes place.

What does it mean to make something in a "Burgundian" way?

There isn't really a specific "Burgundian" method of wine making. The phrase simple means to do things gentlely and with care. Treating the grapes with care and the grapes will reward you back by being a good bottle of wine. It is a saying that winemakers use when they are creating their master pieces.

What does "Brix" mean?

Brix is a measurement sugar-to-water ratio. For example, 25 Brix means there are 25 grams of sucrose sugar and 75 grams of water in the 100 grams of solution. The sugar content is the factor of how much alcohol is create. During the fermentation process, the yeast is added to the crushed grapes, as the yeast eats into the sugars, alcohol is produced.

Next...I will be rating the Pisoni Vineyard wines we tasted!