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Additional amount (in millions of U.S.$) that researchers working on smoke taint in grapes and wine will receive from the Federal Government as of last month. The USDA has already set aside $2 million. California, Oregon, and Washington were all hard hit by wildfires in 2020. Taint occurs when grapes absorb tiny smoke particles that bind with its sugars, potentially giving the resulting wine distasteful aromas and flavors reminiscent of ashtrays and campfires.

What is rotundone?

A. The name of the racking system used to barrel-ferment Cabernet Sauvignon by rotating the barrels on mechanical arms

B. The compound that makes some wines taste peppery

C. The process of training vines in a round, wreath-like circle to prevent the clusters from being damaged by severe wind

D. A type of oak barrel with an especially deep bilge for lots of lees contact

Rotundone (row-TON-dohn) is the compound that accounts for the peppery flavor often found in the Syrahs of France’s Rhône Valley and the Shirazes of Australia. The compound exists in black and white pepper, as well as in marjoram, oregano, rosemary, basil, thyme, and geranium. It can also be found in grapes themselves and survives the fermentation process. Although most often associated with Syrah, rotundone can also occasionally be found in Pinot Noir, Gamay, Durif, Schioppettino and the white grape Grüner Veltliner, among others. The compound was discovered by the Australian Wine Research Institute in 2005.

Fat

A descriptive term for the texture of a full-bodied wine with saturated fruit. Although being fat is generally considered a positive wine trait, being flabby is not. A flabby wine is a fat wine that… Continue reading

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