3

Glycerol


Glycerol is an alcohol produced by yeast during alcoholic fermentation of wine grapes. The amount produced depends on the yeast or mix of yeast fermenting the wine.
Glycerol main impact is on the mouthfeel and perceived weight of the wine. The mouthfeel tends to be a little more luscious and the perceived weight increases as the amount of glycerol increases.

« Back to Wine Words Index

Glycerol is an alcohol produced by yeast during alcoholic fermentation of wine grapes. The amount produced depends on the yeast or mix of yeast fermenting the wine.

Glycerol production by yeast typically increases when they are under stress.

Glycerol main impact is on the mouthfeel and perceived weight of the wine. The mouthfeel tends to be a little more luscious and the perceived weight increases as the amount of glycerol increase.

The amount of glycerol in wine ranges from a few grams per litre, upto 10g/L in dry wine and as much as 20g/l in a sweet botrytis wine. That’s a fraction of the 120-150g/l of total alcohol.

Glycerol is the 3rd most-produced bi-product of fermentation after ethanol and carbon dioxide.

 

« Back to Wine Words Index

Feeling Thirsty?

Vietti Barolo ‘Monvigliero’ 2018

Nebbiolo | Verduno, Italy

The 2018 Barolo Monvigliero, another new wine in this range, is dazzling. That's not much of a surprise, as the 2018 has always been gorgeous from barrel. A touch of whole clusters adds aromatic nuance and lift to this super-classic, sculpted Barolo. The Monvigliero impresses with its purity, delineation and class. Superb. Drink 2028-2048 Galloni
$500
$490ea in any 3+
$480ea in any 6+
Where the Bourgogne is immediately approachable the village Chassagne Blanc needs a little more time. 1/3 from Les Masures next to Morgeot 2/3 Puligny side of Chassagne. Again this shows a wonderful progression through the quality standards in Burgundy. Jumping a rung in the ladder, the energy and precision is showing here. Whilst a full percentage lower in alcohol than the Bourgogne, it has greater depth and length. Current tightly wound, beautiful linear acid is supported nicely by a little te
$255
$245ea in any 3+
$235ea in any 6+
Produttori del Barbaresco Riserva 'Montestefano' 2020
AG 97 ML 93 KO 97
The 2020 Barbaresco Riserva Montestefano is one of the most elegant, polished wines in this range. Bright red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, mint and cedar are beautifully lifted. The tannins are remarkably polished for a young, recently bottled Riserva. I admire its poise and elegance. This is an especially refined edition of the Montestefano. In 2020, the mix of vineyards is a bit younger than in the past, as one of the blocks of older vineyards was replanted and not used. If I could have o
$215
$205ea in any 3+
$195ea in any 6+
The reds of Chassagne a little secret that's slowly making its way out of the bag. I had one of Alex's red the 1978 monopole Morgeot 'La Cardeuse' in September 2020. In a word stunning. Ask Alex and he'll tell you the soil profile is very similar to Chambolle in that neck of the woods. Here too there is a peppery character lurking in the background of the rich and generous if not especially dense flavors that conclude in a balanced, mildly rustic and lingering finale that is fir
$160
$153ea in any 3+
$146ea in any 6+