The Science of Rotundone in Wine
This tiny, complex chemical compound brings peppery notes to Syrah and other red grape varieties, but much about it remains a mystery
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The Science of Koji in Sake Production
A key ingredient in the production of Japan’s most iconic foods and drinks, koji mold lies at the heart of the sake brewing process
The Science of Botanical Extraction in Gin Distillation
From the finesse of vapor infusion to the practicalities of batch distillation, the chosen botanical extraction method has a profound impact on the profile of the finished gin
The Science of Lees Aging
Lees aging not only yields attractive aromas and textures for still and sparkling wines alike—it also prevents oxidation and structural instability. Here’s how
The Science of Flor Yeast
Best known for its role in sherry and vin jaune, flor imparts unique structure and flavor to wine. What conditions create a veil of flor—and how, exactly, does it impact wine style?
Can Alternative Yeasts Lower Wine’s Alcohol Content?
Rising alcohol levels in wine due, in part, to a warming climate are prompting winemakers to look for alternative yeast strains beyond Saccharomyces cerevisiae
The Science Behind Noble Rot Wines
Botrytis cinerea can ruin a grape harvest—or lead to some of the world’s most coveted wines. Researchers investigate why this happens and how it affects both the grapes and the finished wine
Understanding the Impact of Atmospheric Inversion Layers in Viticulture
When large bodies of water, like the Pacific Ocean, create temperature inversions in the atmosphere, it upends growing norms for coastal and mountain vineyards
How Cellar Climate Impacts Barrel-Aged Wine
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity in barrel-aging rooms can create fresher, cleaner wines, but the impact of a warming climate poses challenges to these ideal conditions
The Science of Thiols in Wine
The aroma compounds often associated with Sauvignon Blanc’s tropical and citrus notes are impacted by techniques like leaf plucking and selecting specific yeast strains
The Science of Grape Co-Fermentation
Researchers and winemakers weigh in on how the centuries-old practice of fermenting white and red grapes together affects a wine’s color, flavor, and texture
Could Gene Editing Create More Disease-Resistant Grape Varieties?
Using gene-editing technologies like CRISPR, researchers are fighting back against one of the wine industry’s biggest problems—powdery mildew disease
How Mycorrhizal Fungi Create More Drought-Resistant Grapevines
As climate change continues to alter viticulture, some farmers are harnessing the power of an ancient fungus to strengthen their vines
A New Way to Pinpoint the Science of Terroir
An analytical framework known as Vineyard Geological Identity aims to identify the link between a vine’s physical environment and the resulting wine
The Science Behind UV Light in Vineyards
Wine regions that receive higher levels of UV light are finding it comes with unexpected challenges—and benefits
The Science of Sour Beer
Beer experts dive into the methods and microbes behind this oft-misunderstood category
Using Alternative Yeasts to Replace Sulfites in Wines
New research shows that non-Saccharomyces yeasts could be an effective way to cut sulfur dioxide use in the cellar—and even the vineyard
The Science of Salinity in Wine
Examining the complicated science behind salty-tasting wines, from the vineyard to the winery
What New Research About Wine Headaches Means for Natural Wine
Recent research has identified a link between lower sulfur dioxide usage and higher levels of headache-inducing biogenic amines. Could it mean the end for no-SO2-added wines?
The Science of Terpenes and Isoprenoids
Experts explain what it really means to describe a wine as “terpenic”
So You Think You Know Malo?
Examining misconceptions and lesser-known facts about malolactic fermentation in wine
Understanding Microbial Terroir in Wine
Ongoing studies suggest that vineyard-specific microorganisms affect wine character. But does that mean natural wine is more expressive of terroir?
Unraveling Wine’s Perceived Minerality with Expert Perspectives and Sensory Science
Delve into the phenomenon of minerality in wine, as discussed by experts and sensory scientists
The Science of Salt in Cocktails
From “salt air” to flavored salts, here’s how bartenders are tapping the mineral’s potential to boost flavor and texture in drinks
