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
Tag: Science
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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 Behind Reductive Aromas in Wine
Volatile sulfur compounds are polarizing aromas that can smell like anything from rotten eggs to struck match and beyond. How do they occur during viticulture and vinification—and are we thinking about them all wrong?
The Complex Role of Dosage in Sparkling Wine
A sparkling wine’s dosage or liqueur d’expedition is often communicated as a number—grams per liter of sugar—yet it’s not about sweetness. Here’s why
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?
Why Winemakers Are Split on the Benefits of Concrete Eggs
Some winemakers promise this increasingly popular fermenting and aging vessel offers softer tannins and greater depth of flavor—but others are on the fence
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 of Pyrazines in Wine
Understanding the divisive aroma compounds best known for creating green notes like bell pepper and grass in Bordeaux grapes
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
