Glossary
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
See Also
Reference
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.