Glossary
Ripe
/RYPE/
Fully mature fruit character in grapes or wine.
Full Definition
Ripe describes optimal grape maturity - sugars developed, acids balanced, tannins polymerized, flavors full. In tasting, it indicates generous, developed fruit without green or underripe notes. Overripe grapes lose acidity and freshness. 'Physiological ripeness' considers tannin and flavor, not just sugar.
Related Terms
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with R
Racking
Transferring wine off its sediment.
Racy
Wine with vibrant, energetic acidity.
Reduction
Sulfur compounds from lack of oxygen, creating off-odors.
Remuage
Gradually rotating sparkling wine bottles to collect sediment.
Reserve
A designation suggesting higher quality or longer aging.
Residual Sugar
Sugar remaining in wine after fermentation.