Mercaptans

Offensive-smelling compounds that result from poor winemaking when hydrogen sulfide combines with components in the wine. The aromas can include putrid food, skunk, and burnt rubber.

“Old vines”—a common description on some wine labels—is an ambiguous term, sometimes applied to vines no more than 10 years old. However, there is an old vine that is certified by Guinness World Records. In which of the following countries can the oldest living grapevine be found?

A. Mexico

B. Slovenia

C. Israel

D. Greece

The wine region of Maribor, Slovenia, is home to the world’s oldest living grapevine. The vine was certified by Guinness World Records in 2004 and is the native red variety žametovka. At over 400 years old, the vine currently produces less than a gallon of wine per year. This small yield of wine is put into tiny bottles and given each year to presidents and other important world figures.

The Godfather of Fermentation

On this day in April in 1858, Louis Pasteur published his findings on fermentation, significantly advancing the science of winemaking. Pasteur’s research in the 1850’s led to the discovery of single-celled fungi called yeasts which… Continue reading

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