Phenolic content in wine the ellagic and gallic acid found in the wood. In the vineyards, there is also a growing distinction being made between "ripe" and "unripe" tannins present in the grape. This "physiological ripeness", which is roughly determined by tasting the grapes off the vines, is being used along with sugar levels as a determination of when to harvest. The idea is that "riper" tannins will taste softer but still impart some of the texture components found favorable in wine. In winemaking, the amount of the time that the must spends in contact with the grape skins, stems and seeds will influence
Quinta classification of Port vineyards in the Douro Quinta classification of Port vineyards in the Douro The Quinta classification of Port vineyards in the Douro is a system that grades the "terroir" and quality potential of vineyards in the Douro wine region to produce grapes suitable for the production of Port wine. In Portuguese, a "quinta" is a wine producing estate, which can be a winery or a vineyard. While other wine classification systems may classify the winery (such as the 1855 Bordeaux classification), the Douro quinta classification is based upon the physical characteristics of the vineyard. The classification system is run by the "Instituto dos Vinhos do