Glossary
Elevage
/ay-luh-VAHJ/
The period of wine maturation between fermentation and bottling.
Full Definition
Elevage (literally 'raising' or 'upbringing') encompasses all cellar work between fermentation and bottling: aging in barrel or tank, racking, fining, blending. Good elevage allows wine to develop complexity and stability. The winemaker's choices during elevage significantly shape the final wine.
Related Terms
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with E
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Aromas and flavors suggesting soil, mushroom, or minerals.
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En Primeur
Buying wine as futures before bottling.
Enology
The science and study of winemaking.
Esters
Aromatic compounds formed during fermentation.
Estate Bottled
Wine made and bottled by the grape grower.