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Oak
The oak tree is widely considered to be the best source for making wooden
barrels for storing wine.
The proper use of oak barrels adds flavors and
tannins to the wine, enabling it to age longer.
The newer and smaller the
barrel, the greater its influence.
French oak is usually more subtle than
American oak.
Oak chips
Small pieces of oak, known as oak chpis, are often used when aging inexpensive wines
in stainless steel vats, hopefully providing some of the essence that oak
barrels impart to the wine.
Oenology
The science of winemaking. The prime site for studying Old World oenology
is the University of Bordeaux. The
prime site for studying New World oenology is the University of California at Davis.
Oidium
Oidium is a fungal disease, also known as powdery
mildew, that almost
destroyed the
vineyards of Europe in the mid-nineteenth century.
It thrives in dampness. To control odium growers apply
sulfur.
Old vines
Old vines are considered valuable because they are thought
to produce tastier grapes. Let the buyer beware; most jurisdictions do not
regulate the use of the term old vines on their wine labels.
Old World
From the perspective of wine, the Old World refers to Europe, in particular
countries such as France, Germany, Italy, and Spain that have been making wine
for centuries, perhaps for more than a thousand years. In fact, some regions of
Italy have been making wine for several thousand years. Because winemaking is
international, the distinction between
New World and Old World wines is
blurring.
Organic wine
Organic wines are made from organically grown grapes, that are
fermented naturally
with minimal addition of
sulfites.
Overcropping
The process of overcropping is growing an excessive number of grapes on a
vine, sacrificing quality for quantity.
Oxidation
Oxidation is the reaction of oxygen and something else, such as wine. It usually, but not always,
negatively affects the wine quality. Oxidized white wines often have an
unpleasant brown color and don’t taste good. However, Sherry is oxidized on
purpose. To avoid oxidation you should consume most wines within a few days of
opening the bottle. On the other hand, swirling wine in a glass
prior to drinking, oxidizes the wine a bit, opening up its
aroma and flavors.
Oxygen
A nonmetallic element constituting over 20 % of the earth's atmosphere and
occurs in a multitude of chemical compounds.
It is essential for plant, animal, and human respiration.
Click to access introductory wine glossary pages:
A B
C D
E F
G H
I J
K L
M N
O P
R S
T U
V W
Y Z