Wines 101 Flashcards
What does AVA mean in wine?
American Viticultural Area, recognized by the U.S. government in 1981. An AVA is a legally designated grape growing area possessing distinguishable characteristics such as climate, terrain, soils, and cultural and historic significance.
What does DOC mean in wine?
DOC wine is the second highest quality level – with Denominazione di Origine Controllata meaning “designation of controlled origin”. In order to achieve this classification, there are still very strict rules which need to be followed regarding quality and authenticity.
What does DOCG mean in wine?
Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita. DOCG is the highest classification Italian wines can be awarded so DOCG are the best of Italian wines. The classification means that there are controlled production methods (controllata) and guaranteed wine quality (garantita) with each bottle.
What does AOC mean in wine?
AOC is short for Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée, and refers to standards set for wines made in France. There are 363 AOCs for wine and spirits in France which control everything from how the grapes are grown to what wine varieties are in the bottle.
What is Wine Appellation?
Appellations are a legally defined area where grapes are grown for making wine and they may also be described as a classification system.
How does acidity effect wine?
A wine with HIGH acid will usually taste CRISPER and more TART on the palate.
A LOW-acid wine will feel SMOOTHER and ROUNDER on the palate.
Acidity provides some of the backbone needed for long-term aging, so high-acid wines are more likely to improve with time than those with lesser amounts.
What does brut mean in sparkling wine ?
Brut, which means “dry, raw, or unrefined,” in French, is the driest (meaning the least sweet) classification of Champagne. To be considered Brut, the Champagne must be made with less than 12 grams of added sugar per liter.
What does NV in sparkling wine mean?
Non-Vintage (NV) Champagne is the most common type of Champagne on the market. They are blends of base wines from several years and aged for a minimum of 15 months. This can make a consistent house style each year. NV Champagne is also relatively less expensive than Vintage Champagne
