Beerenauslese (BA)

Plural beerenauslesen. Literally “berry select harvest.” A level of considerable ripeness and sweetness in both the traditional and modern German systems. Beerenauslesen have often been the product of at least some botrytized grapes.

A barnyard, horse blanket, or sweat-soaked leather aroma in a wine may be a sign of:

A. Sulfites

B. TCA

C. Volatile Acidity

D. Brettanomyces

Brettanomyces (aka Brett) is a type of yeast that causes aromas and flavors politely known as “barnyard.” Brettanomyces can exist in cellars, barrels, and hoses, and from there, migrate into wine. Because it is a yeast, Brettanomyces can grow in the wine, causing a more severe barnyard character with time. Critics of brettanomyces say it robs a wine of its true flavors and has no place in winemaking. But supporters find that small amounts add a certain complexity to wine, and can give it an aged flavor.

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Percentage of U.S. wine drinkers in a new study by the Wine Market Council who say they are “fairly confident or quite sure” about the meaning of “wine made from organically grown grapes.” By contrast,… Continue reading

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