Last time we explored how terroir (the soil, terrain and climate) can affect how a single varietal of wine tastes. But, there are a host of other things that can also affect a single varietal’s taste, aroma and overall flavor.

Harvest

• Ripeness of the Grapes at the Time of Harvesting

• Acid levels

Maceration

• Inclusion of seeds, stems, skins

Fermentation

• Residual Sugar

• Yeast

• Vessels (Stainless Steel, Oak, Concrete

Malolactic Conversion

Blending of Grapes in a Single Varietal

Aging

• Aging Vessels

  • Oak (New vs Neutral)

• Toasting Levels

• Sur lees & Battonage

Serving Temperature

Serving Vessel

This is just a brief outline of some of the factors that can affect a single varietal’s flavor. But, there are even more! And we’ll explore those in future blogs. Cheers!