Category: Winemaking

A standard 5-ounce glass of wine averages between 120 and 130 calories, primarily derived from alcohol and residual sugar. For those watching their intake, a new wave of low-calorie wines has emerged, crafted through precise winemaking methods that reduce these components without sacrificing taste.

First created by accident in the 1970s, Sutter Home White Zinfandel is known for its sweet, fruity profile due to leftover grape sugars. This popular blush wine achieves its signature taste from arrested fermentation, which directly determines what is the residual sugar in Sutter Home White Zinfandel.

While the idea might be unsettling, the use of ox or bull's blood as a fining agent in winemaking was officially banned in the EU and the US in 1997. For modern vintages, the definitive answer to the question 'Does wine have blood in it?' is no, though historical practices involved animal products for clarification.

Invented by accident in the 1970s, many are curious about the key ingredients in White Zinfandel wine. The primary ingredient is not white grapes at all, but a specific type of red grape known as Zinfandel, with its iconic blush color achieved through a unique winemaking process.

According to chemical classifications, the term “sulfites” refers to a group of substances including potassium metabisulfite, which is classified as an inorganic sulfite salt. This white crystalline powder is commonly used in winemaking and food preservation for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. When dissolved in a liquid, it releases sulfur dioxide ($SO_2$) gas, which is the active agent that provides its preservative effects.

Did you know that not all red wine is vegan? Many traditional winemaking practices use animal-derived fining agents to clarify the wine. These are used to remove unwanted particles and ensure a clear product.

According to brewing and winemaking experts, adding too much sugar can indeed have an inhibiting effect on yeast's ability to ferment. While sugar is the necessary food source for yeast, an excessively high concentration can cause osmotic stress, leading to a sluggish or completely stopped fermentation.

It's a common misconception that some wines are completely free of sulfites, but all wine naturally contains sulfites as a byproduct of fermentation. Like other wine types, rosé wine contains these compounds, though the amount can vary greatly. The key difference often lies in whether additional sulfites have been added during the winemaking process.

The alcohol content of Chardonnay can range from a moderate 12.5% to a higher 14.5% ABV, making the question 'Is Chardonnay high in alcohol content?' depend heavily on its origin and winemaking style. This versatility means a Chardonnay can be crisp and light or rich and full-bodied, with the alcohol level playing a significant role in its character.

Approximately 1% of the population has a sulfite sensitivity, leading to questions about sulfite content in wine. The truth is, all wines contain sulfites naturally, but the amount varies significantly depending on the style and winemaking practices. This article will guide you through which wines contain sulfites, how to read labels, and what to look for if you are sensitive.