Uncertain times are a constant – be flexible and adaptable
Now more than ever before, leaders in South Africa are facing rapid change which has become the norm. Adaptable...
Uncertain times are a constant – be flexible and adaptable
Practical in the cellar
Making a Top 10 Merlot – to cold soak or not
Making a Top 10 Merlot – to cold soak or not
The start of any great wine is in the vineyard, the specific terroir coupled with the specific viticultural...
Bentonite and laccase – a doomed attraction
Bentonite and laccase – a doomed attraction
If you think that laccase can be removed from juice by bentonite, then the (rotten) joke’s on you. This stubborn...
The past, present and future of sulphur dioxide
The past, present and future of sulphur dioxide
It is known that the main purpose of sulphur dioxide in winemaking is its microbiological control and protection...
Filtration choices
Filtration choices
Consumers do not like bottled wines containing hazes, turbidity, sediments or crystals; as such processes need to...
Preventing pinking during harvest
Preventing pinking during harvest
Pinking, or the appearance of abnormal pink colouring in white wines, is a frequent fault in varieties such as...
Free sulphur dioxide management in barrels
Free sulphur dioxide management in barrels
Sulphur dioxide and barrels are both integral to winemaking, although their purposes are entirely different....
Hot vineyards not that “VA VA” Voom after all
Hot vineyards not that “VA VA” Voom after all
The Cambridge Dictionary’s definition of Va Va Voom is the quality of being exciting, attractive, or full of...
Modern amphorae and oak barrels
Modern amphorae and oak barrels
Modern amphorae differ considerably from ancient ones. They have similar oxygen transfer rates as barrels and are...
Carbonic maceration
Carbonic maceration
Carbonic maceration is the storage of whole grape bunches in an inert atmosphere of carbon dioxide. The carbon...
Cavalli – successful approach to individual development
Cavalli – successful approach to individual development
Travellers on the R44 route between Somerset West and Stellenbosch cannot help but notice the striking entrance,...
Sulphur dioxide – understanding the complexities
Sulphur dioxide – understanding the complexities
Winemakers know the sulphur dioxide terminologies like free sulphur, total sulphur, molecular sulphur and...