odds and sods

Question 1

what are GIs, PDOs and PGIs?

Answer 1

• GIs (Geographical Indications) are designated vineyard areas within a country. They can be large (eg Bordeaux) or merely one vineyard (eg La Romanée). Internationally agreed (eg Australia better trade for giving up “chablis”)
• EU wines with GI are divided into 2 quality categories
  
  • PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) eg AOC in France, specifies grapes, growing, making, area
  • PGI (Protected Designation of Origin) eg IGP in France, much less restrictive
• Rest of world uses GI and regions, zones etc, but rarely see them on label and much fewer limitations

Question 2

what are cool, medium and warm fermentation temperatures?

Answer 2

• cool 12-16^oC
  
  • (fresh, fruity whites & rosés)
• medium 17-25^oC
  
  • (easy drinking, low tannin reds, structured whites)
• warm 26-32^oC
  
  • maximum extraction reds (can result in some loss of fruity flavours)