Enology

Enology meaning and definition

Enology is the science of wine and winemaking. It studies how grapes become wine, including fermentation, yeast activity, acidity, tannin, aging, stability, and wine faults. In American English, enology is the common spelling; oenology is the British and traditional spelling.

Enology is different from viticulture. Viticulture focuses on growing wine grapes in the vineyard. Enology focuses on the cellar work after harvest: fermentation, blending, maturation, preservation, bottling, and quality control.

Enology vs oenology

Enology and oenology mean the same thing. Use enology for American English and oenology for British English or older wine texts. Both terms refer to the scientific study of wine production.

Enologist meaning

An enologist is a wine scientist or winemaking professional who applies enology in the cellar. Enologists test grape must and finished wine, manage fermentation, monitor pH and acidity, prevent spoilage, and help make stable, balanced wines.

Enological meaning

Enological means “related to enology or winemaking science.” For example, an enological analysis might measure alcohol, acidity, residual sugar, tannin, sulfur dioxide, or microbial stability in a wine.

FAQ

What is the study of wine called?

The study of wine and winemaking is called enology in American English and oenology in British English.

Is enology the same as viticulture?

No. Viticulture is the study of grape growing. Enology is the study of winemaking after the grapes are harvested.