Grapes and Wines of the World: Final!

AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée)

French wine classification system based on geography, grape varieties, yields, alcohol levels, and winemaking practices.

DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata)

Italian wine classification system where wines must follow strict regional rules.

DO (Denominación de Origen)

Spanish wine classification system that emphasizes aging classifications.

Prädikatswein

German wine classification based on the ripeness of grapes at harvest.

Qualitätswein

German wine classification for wines that meet specific quality standards but with less stringent requirements than Prädikatswein.

AVA (American Viticultural Area)

U.S. wine classification based on geographic location with minimal requirements.

Geographical Indication (GI)

A sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation due to that origin.

Chaptalization

The process of adding sugar to grape must to increase alcohol content during fermentation, not allowed in certain classifications like Prädikatswein.

Terroir

The combination of climate, soil, topography, and local factors that shape a wine's character.

Malolactic Fermentation (MLF)

A secondary fermentation where malic acid is converted to lactic acid, softening the wine's profile.

Traditional Method

Sparkling wine production method where the second fermentation occurs in the bottle.

Charmat Method

Sparkling wine production technique where the second fermentation takes place in a pressurized tank.

PDO (Protected Designation of Origin)

Greece's highest quality wine classification level.

PGI (Protected Geographical Indication)

A less strict Greek wine classification allowing more experimentation than PDO.

Fortified Wine

Wine to which neutral grape spirit (brandy) is added to increase alcohol content.

Estufagem

A process used in Madeira winemaking where wine is deliberately heated after fortification.

Cotto system

Cooking process used for Marsala wine, differentiating it from other fortified wines.

Indigenous grape varieties

Native grape varieties that are specific to a particular region.

Ripeness level classifications

Classifications based on the grape's ripeness at harvest, used primarily in Germany.