This is the date on which the grape harvest may officially begin, established by prefectural decree.

A winegrowing philosophy which eschews all chemical treatments, herbicides, pesticides and synthetic fertilisers, shifting the emphasis towards a renewed understanding of the natural cycles which are essential to working the land, allowing the soil to regenerate and caring for the vines throughout the year.

Also known as the tertiary aromas, these are the fragrances a wine develops during its ageing process. There are two types of bouquet.

An oxidation bouquet is found in certain wines with high alcohol contents. When stored in casks which are not completely full, they take on a rich amber colour and develop aromas of apple, quince, almonds, walnuts and rancio (with naturally fortified wines).

A reduction bouquet develops in classic, non-fortified wines with good ageing potential. As they mature in the bottle, protected from contact with the outside world, the primary and secondary aromas in the wine are transformed into a new bouquet containing animal aromas (leather, venison, fur) and vegetal notes (undergrowth, mushrooms).

A sign of quality in a wine: its colour is shiny and reflective when exposed to the light, giving the wine a brilliant appearance.

A family of aromas ranging from caramel to burning wood.

Curved shape reminiscent of a bubble.

A well-balanced wine is a wine which unites the correct proportions of sweetness, acidity and tannins.

Describes a wine with excessive tannins and acidity, lacking in smoothness and roundness of flavour.

The practice of composing a wine by blending several ‘cuvées’ which have been vinified separately to preserve the individual characteristics of different plots, different grape varieties, vines of different ages etc. Blending takes place before the maturing process begins, and is the moment where the oenologists and cellar masters demonstrate their talent and creativity. Blending is not the same as cutting, which has pejorative connotations.

As a good wine ages it will blossom, revealing the full potential of its bouquet and achieving its optimal balance of flavours and sensations.

Stopper made of wood, rubber, black glass or a synthetic alternative, designed to plug the hole through which barrels and casks are filled. Located on the top or side of a barrel.

When referring to a wine or one of its properties, ‘bold’ indicates a certain confidence and lack of defects.