Base Wine

/BAYS WINE/

Still wine used as foundation for sparkling wine.

Full Definition

Base wine is the still wine used to produce sparkling wine before secondary fermentation adds bubbles. For Champagne, base wine is typically high acid, low alcohol, and relatively neutral. Multiple base wines may be blended from different varieties, vineyards, and vintages to create the final cuvee.

Related Terms

sparkling wine champagne assemblage

See Also

traditional method tirage

Barrique Back to Glossary Batonnage

More terms starting with B

Balance

Harmony between wine components: fruit, acid, tannin, alcohol.

Barrel

Wooden container used for fermenting and aging wine.

Barrique

A 225-liter oak barrel, the Bordeaux standard.

Batonnage

Stirring wine on its lees to add texture and complexity.

Biodynamic

Holistic farming approach following Rudolf Steiner's principles.

Bite

A sharp, acidic sensation in wine.