Glossary

Health and wine is quite a controversial topic. In the Ancient world and during the Middle Ages, wine was a highly regarded medicine or healing potion, and event the latest studies confirm that if a healthy person consumes a moderate measure of wine, it can be beneficial to their health and well-being. The content matter responsible for these effects are resveratrol and the polyphenols (vitamin ‘P’). Scientists agree that the regular consumption of red wine can reduce cardiovascular disease.

Describes a wine with high alcohol and extract.

Belongs to the biogenic amines, and often responsible for sudden headaches. Histamines are found in a large number of foodstuffs, yet Austrian wine and Sekt are generally low in histamines.

Describes a thin, light-bodied and one-dimensional wine.

The result of crossing two inter-specific hybrid vine varieties, usually between native American and European (Vitis vinifera) vine varieties. The robust hybrids are also known as inter-specific crossings.

A speciality from Austria and Germany. Ice Wine may only be produced using grapes that are completely frozen at the time of harvest and pressing (between minus 6 and minus 10 degrees Celsius, according to the sugar content).

A bottle wine capacity of 6 litres, also known as a Methusalem.

Describes a sustainable form of viticulture, with minimal use of chemical substances and an incorporation of organic winemaking practices. This environmentally form of viticulture is practised by a large majority of Austrian producers.

Describes the complexity and intensity of a wine.