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Sulfites: Fact Vs. Fiction Part 1(Post)
The use of sulfites is one of the hottest debates in winemaking. It is such an important topic, it will be addressed in two separate blog posts. Part two will be in your next newsletter. First let’s ...
Sulfites: Fact Vs. Fiction Part 2(Post)Part two of our article on Sulfites will discuss the history of its use in winemaking, its benefits and the pitfalls of omitting them. Part one was premised by a notion of purism in winemaking as a r ...
Hops Spotlight: Zythos Hops, a Newcomer with a Big Entrance(Post)Zythos hops, a relatively fresh face in the world of brewing, first saw the light of day in the USA. This innovative hop variety didn't just sprout up from the ground; it was meticulously crafted and ...
Think Commercial Brewers and Vintners Don’t Use Flavorings? Think Again.(Post)If you believe professional brewers and winemakers rely only on raw ingredients and tradition, you have bought into a marketing story, not reality. The truth is far less romantic and far more interes ...
What Can Natural Flavorings Do for your Fruit Wines? A Lot! (Post)If you have compared your fruit wines to commercial bottles and felt like yours didn’t measure up, there’s a reason. It is probably because they use flavorings, and you don’t. The use of natural ...
Hops Spotlight: Cascade Hops, an American Classic(Post)Prepare to embark on an exciting journey into the dynamic universe of Cascade hops. Born from the innovative minds at the USDA in the golden era of the 1950s, Cascade hops are as authentically Americ ...
Yeast Spotlight: Red Star Premier Classique Wine Yeast(Post)The Red Star Premier Classique Wine Yeast, formerly known as Montrachet, is a proud creation of the esteemed Lesaffre Yeast Corporation. This yeast strain traces its roots back to the heart of France ...
The Unvarnished Truth About Pellicle Infections in Beer and Wine(Post)If you're a homebrewer or a winemaker, you've probably heard of the dreaded pellicle infection. It's the stuff of nightmares, right? Well, let's cut through the hype and get down to the nitty-gritty.
Viognier Grapes and the Unique Wines They Create(Post)Viognier, pronounced Vee-oh-nyay, is a lesser-known white grape that deserves more of your attention. If you have never made it, you might want to do something about that. Viognier is a full-bodied w ...
The Genetic Link Between Hops and Cannabis and Their Use in Beer Making(Post)Hops (Humulus lupulus) and cannabis (Cannabis sativa) may seem like very different plants, but they share a surprising genetic connection. Both belong to the same botanical family, Cannabaceae, and t ...
To Barrel or Not to Barrel? Alternatives for Oaking Your Wine(Post)Oak has been an important part of winemaking for centuries, and its influence can be felt in many of the world's most beloved wines. Oak aging, or barrel aging, gives wines complex flavors and aromas ...
Ascorbic Acid: The Unsung Hero of Wine Preservation(Post)Are you ready to elevate your winemaking game? Let's talk about a little secret weapon that you’ve probably never investigated and can make a big difference in preserving your wine: ascorbic acid. Yo ...
The Magic of Brown Sugar and How You Can Make It(Post)Today, we're diving into the sweet, sticky world of brown sugar and how it can transform your homemade beer and wine into something truly special. If you’ve ever wondered why your brew doesn’t have t ...
The Role of Grape Seeds in Red Wine Fermentation: Enhancing Flavor and Tannin Balance(Post)When it comes to crafting high-quality red wine, every detail matters – from selecting the right grape variety to the fermentation process. While many home winemakers use wine kits or fresh jui ...
Two Malts, One Color, Completely Different Beer(Post)It is easy to assume that grains with similar Lovibond ratings will behave similarly in your beer. After all, the number is precise. It suggests control. If two malts sit in the same color range, the ...
IBU vs ABV: How Bitterness and Alcohol Are Engineered for Synergy(Post)When you look at a beer label, it is tempting to treat ABV and IBU as separate statistics. Alcohol by Volume tells you how strong the beer is. International Bitterness Units tell you how bitter it wi ...
The Hydrometer: Your Wine and Beer’s Fragile Fortune Teller(Post)Greetings, you passionate purveyors of pints and pinots! Today, let’s take a dip into the realm of hydrometers, those delicate glass marvels that assist us in concocting our perfect brews and wines.
What is Dry Hopping and Can You Use Hop Pellets?(Post)If you are a beer maker, you most likely have heard of dry hopping. If you've never tried it because you use hop pellets, you don't have to let that stop you. The simple truth is that dry hoppin ...
The Realities of Aging Wine: Is Older Always Better?(Post)Comparisons to fine wine abound when it comes to aging gracefully, but is the analogy justified? Do all wines age well? Does aging potential come from the wine, the storage or both? In this article, ...