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Labrusca
Vinus Labrusca designates a grape species native to North America. The best
known example is the Concord, famous or rather infamous for its foxy taste.
Wine grapes usually belong to the Vinus vinfera species. In spite of its sound, Labrusca
is not an Italian grape variety.
Lactic acid
Lactic acid is often present in wine. It takes its name from milk, where it
is found. Lactic acid is softer than the other acids found in wine. A common
winemaking procedure is
malolactic fermentation, which transforms the rough
malic acid into the smooth lactic acid.
Late Harvest
Late Harvest wines are made from grapes picked late in the season, when their
sugar content is at its maximum.
Harvesting a wine late is a gamble,
if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the harvest may be reduced or even lost. In the US a
Late Harvest wine is usually a bit sweet, while Select Late Harvest refers to a
sweet wine, and Special Select Late Harvest to a very sweet wine.
Lees
Lees is any
sediment remaining after wine
fermentation. It is composed
of dead
yeast cells or other solid matter such as grape
pulp,
seeds,
and
skin.
While this may sound unappetizing, wine kept on its lees (
sur lie), may
acquire extra body and flavor. Classic examples are Chardonnay and Muscadet.
Liter
A liter is a metric unit of capacity. At 20°C (68°F) it holds 1,000
cubic centimeters (33.814 fluid ounces.)
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