Texture 101

Distinguishing Texture In Wines

Of all the 101 series, this texture pack is our most ambitious and the one we're most excited about. With three texturally distinct whites, we aim to highlight the different tactile experiences these wines offer as a result of varying winemaking practices. For instance, is it austere and crisp because it is made in stainless steel? Do they stir up the lees to give it a creamy texture? Is it grippy because of skin contact? Is the toastiness because of time in oak? The best part is you get to be the judge! Remember to compare your assessment to your tasting cards.

Tips On Winemaking and Ageing Vessels

By not means an exhaustive list, but here's a handy cheatsheet of winemaking approaches to consider! Stainless Steel, Concrete, Neutral Vessels Stainless steel is the modern standard because it's easier to keep clean, comes in a large range of sizes and allows for the most temperature control of the fermenting grape juice. It is also the first choice for making fresh, fruity, austere styles of wines because of its anaerobic environment (no oxygen). Pure varietal fruit character is the focal point with this vessel! Time On Lees And Lees Stirring So what are lees? Lees are naturally occurring, essentially inactive cells that remain after fermentation and collect at the bottom of a barrel or tank of wine. Very fine particles, they don't have a huge amount of flavour but have a kind of creamy texture. The cool thing is they can dissolve into the wine, they're so fine, but by doing so they 'thicken' the wine, making it creamier and richer. Yum! Think of the difference between a crisp (stainless made) Pinot Grigio to a creamier Pinot Gris. Same grape, different winemaking! Skin Contact AKA Orange Wine Skin contact ain't nothing new, the technique is applied to rosé, reds and whites. But there's no doubt, white skin contact wines is the most unconventional practice of them all. So what do skin contact whites feel like? It helps if you imagine them as a cross between a red and a white wine, given their texture and power. The ageing with the skins draws out additional tannin, so imagine a white wine with a chewy tannic grip! Furthermore, The flavour profile can also tend towards a riper, more tropical kind of spectrum (dependant on the grape variety of course), but it's common to see flavours and aromas of peach, apricot and pineapple, as well as orange blossom, beeswax and honey. They often have a slight saltiness to them, that works further enhances their food-friendliness. Oak Oak will also impart some textural elements to the wine, because of the micro-oxygenation that softens the wine, so wines aged in oak will appear rounder, softer and smoother. Not sure if it's oaked? New oak barrels tend to impart the most flavours these can range from vanilla, cream, butter, coconut, dill, cardamom, cinnamon, caramel... there's a whole spectrum of flavours! Note: Many progressive winemakers like to use old barrels to soften the feel of the wine this is common among smaller high quality producers of white wines, or some youthful reds. With old oak, the toasty oak characters above become imperceptible and the main feature of the wine becomes the fruit, while being delightfully smooth on the palate. Subtlety is key when using old oak, it's second fiddle to the vibrancy of fruit in the wine.

Three Tactile Whites

1. Borgo dei Filari Soave 2025 (Stainless steel) This is a classic example of the ever-reliable Soave style from Veneto. Look out for plenty of orchard fruit character, notably ripe pear flavours underpinned with a vein of citrus freshness. 2. Christophe Cordier 'Terroir de Pouilly' Pouilly-Fuissé 2023 (Maturation on Lees) This Pouilly-Fuissé has a stunning nose: white flowers, citrus zest, ripe pear and orchard fruit, with a streak of toasted almond and cool, stony flint underneath that gives it a real sense of place. On the palate it's super elegant, with a creamy texture, vibrant acidity, and layers of golden apple and lemon curd - before a long, honeyed, mineral finish that absolutely refuses to be hurried. Rich but focused. Generous but not showing off. One of those wines that just makes everything feel a bit more civilised. 3. Venta Real Sparkling Orange NV (Skin Contact) This sparkling orange wine shows a fragrant mix of yellow apple, ripe peach, nectarine, and honeydew melon, with honeyed and honeysuckle notes and hints of cinnamon, vanilla, and nutmeg. Dry with bright acidity, it has a frothy, lively mousse that quickly gives way to a creamy texture, leaving a long, honeyed finish with subtle chamomile and savoury touches. It's elegant, refreshing, and beautifully balanced.