Glossary
Maturation
/mat-yur-AY-shun/
The development and aging of wine.
Full Definition
Maturation encompasses all aging processes that develop wine's character - in barrel, tank, or bottle. During maturation, tannins polymerize, colors evolve, and tertiary aromas develop. The optimal maturation period varies widely by wine style. Some wines are released young; others require decades to reach peak maturity.
Related Terms
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with M
Maceration
Soaking grape skins in juice to extract color, tannin, and flavor.
Madeirized
Wine showing oxidation and heat damage, like Madeira.
Magnum
A 1.5-liter bottle, holding two standard bottles.
Malic Acid
A tart acid in grapes, converted to lactic acid during ML.
Malolactic Fermentation
Bacterial conversion of tart malic acid to softer lactic acid.
Master of Wine
The most prestigious wine qualification worldwide.