More bloody wine jargon and this time I made it up!
I’ve been using the phrase ‘Grape First’ and kind of like it.
What does it mean?
The wine is made with a focus on expressing the fruit and fruit tannins from grapes including the skins and stalks.
‘Grape First’ is not a synonym for natural or minimal intervention and does not require a wine be either. It’s all about what’s in the glass being an exceptional expression of the grapes as crafted by the winemaker if the wine happens to be a natural or minimal intervention wine then it is a coincidence.
It requires a wine to show freshness appropriate for its age and not be dominated by jammy overripe fruit.
How does oak use fit in?
The word ‘First’ is the clue here. Grapes are first. Other elements second. Use of oak or any other non-grape derived component fits in a ‘Grape First’ wine including new oak where it adds an additional subservient layer to the wine, helping complete, and compliment the wine. From oak with could contribute to the tannin profile without showing excessive or overt oak tannin or flavour, it should subtly add to the aroma and flavour profile.
What about other things you can add?
Sulphur, acid, fining agents are all good here. Just like oak their use should enhance and not dominate the wine.
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