Wine Terms Starting with K

German term for a quality wine; usually the driest of the best German Rieslings.

Austrian term to describe a wine made in a traditional light, spicy style. This term is usually associated with Austrian white wines such as Grüner Veltliner.

A wine made according to strict Jewish rules under rabbinical supervision.

Kouloures refers to the traditional pruning and training system used for grapevines in certain regions of Greece, such as Santorini. This method involves shaping the grapevines into basket-like circular forms. The vines are trained to form a continuous loop, which resembles a wreath or a basket. This technique helps protect the grapes from harsh winds and intense sunlight, common in many Greek islands. Additionally, it assists in conserving moisture, which is particularly valuable in arid climates. The kouloures method is a unique adaptation to the environmental challenges faced by viticulturists in these regions, showcasing a deep understanding of local growing conditions and an innovative approach to maximizing the yield and health of the grapevines.

Kvevri are large earthenware (typically clay) vessels used for the fermentation, storage and ageing of traditional Georgian wine. They vary in shape and sizes but typically resemble large, egg-shaped amphorae without handles, they are either buried below ground or set into the floors of large wine cellars, with just the neck of the vessel showing avove the surface. They lend themselves beautifully to minimal intervention wines as the shape of the vessel facilitates the settling of lees and sediment to the small reducing the need for racking and filtering. The vessels are enjoying a bit of a renaissance at the moment as consumers are more and more willing to go the natural or minimal intervention wine route.