Inert

/in-URT/
🍷Winemaking👃Tasting

Chemically unreactive or lacking expressive character.

Full Definition

Inert has two wine meanings: (1) in winemaking, refers to non-reactive vessels (stainless steel, glass, concrete) that don't impart flavor or oxygen; (2) in tasting, describes wines lacking expressiveness or energy. Inert vessels are valued for preserving pure fruit character without oak influence.

Related Terms

neutralstainless steelconcrete

See Also

oakaging vessels
Indigenous YeastBack to GlossaryIntensity

More terms starting with I

Indigenous Yeast

Natural yeasts present on grapes or in the winery.

Intensity

The strength or concentration of aromas and flavors.

Irrigation

Artificial watering of vineyards.

Ice Wine

Intensely sweet wine from naturally frozen grapes.

IGT

Italian quality tier below DOC allowing more flexibility.

Isinglass

Fish bladder protein used to fine white wines.