Spotlight on Winemaking for Premium Aromatic White Wines - Part 1

This show was published Friday, November 21, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Chris takes us through the winemaking techniques behind premium aromatic white wines, drawing on the WSET Level 3 Wine specification.

We explore how these wines can thrive in a variety of climates, the different wine styles produced, and the winemaking choices that shape their character. The focus is on preserving primary, youthful flavours by limiting oxygen exposure to the grapes.

Key topics include:

Sugar and acidity adjustments: Techniques such as chaptalisation or enrichment, and the addition of tartaric acid.

Fermentation: Typically conducted in stainless steel to maintain freshness, though regions like Alsace may use oak foudres for some styles.

Post-fermentation practices: Most aromatic whites avoid malolactic fermentation, lees stirring or oak influence, with notable exceptions like California’s Fumé Blanc and Bordeaux’s Pessac-Léognan.

Aromatic grape varieties covered: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Torrontés and Muscat varieties.

Tune in for a deep dive into the techniques that make these wines so vibrant and expressive.

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Music

The music used for the UK Wine Show is Griffes de Jingle 1 by Marcel de la Jartèle and Silence by Etoile Noire.