R

RACKING Process that consists of pumping a wine out of one vat into another to separate out the lees.

RANCIO Specific characteristic acquired by some Vins Doux Naturels during their aging process.

RATAFIA Fortified wine produced using a mixture of the marc and grape juice in Champagne and Burgundy.

RAW Said of a poor quality, overly astringent wine.

REBECHE Wine from the final pressings, which cannot be included in the wine used to produce champagne.

RÉCOLTANT-MANIPULANT In Champagne, the term for winegrowers that make their own champagne

REMUAGE A process that is part of the méthode champenoise that involves specific manipulation of the bottles on their racks with the goal of pushing the sediment toward the cork

RICH Said of an intensely colored, generous and powerful wine that is also well balanced.

RIESLING A white grape variety cultivated in Alsace that produces wines of great distinction. It is acidic and ages well. Its citrus, wildflower, peach and lime-blossom aromas evolve to mineral notes over time. It can sometimes be made into “late harvest” or “noble berries” wines when its natural sugars are concentrated enough.

RIPENING Transformation of the grape as it becomes higher in sugar and loses some of its acidity to become fully developed. This process begins after the color of the grapes changes (See VÉRAISON). At this point the grapes are watched more carefully as they will determine the quality of the wine produced.

ROASTED Type of aromas that are found in overripe wines from grapes infected with noble rot. They include notes of citrus peel, dried fruit and toast.

ROBE Term used for the color of a wine and its appearance.

ROBUST Said of a wine that has a solid structure and a good balance of tannins an alcohol. It also refers to a very full-bodied wine with firm tannins and thus good aging potential

ROLLE White variety cultivated in Provence and in the area around Nantes that yields delicate, rich and aromatic wines.

ROMORANTIN White variety cultivated in several areas of the Loire Valley.

ROUGH Said of a highly astringent wine that produces an extremely dry feeling in the mouth

ROUND Said of a wine that is supple, soft and fleshy, creating a rounded sensation on the palate.

ROUSSANNE A white variety cultivated in the Drôme that provides good acidity and aromas of hawthorn, apricot and honey. This wine ages well and is often included in white Rhone blends.

RUNNING OFF see DEVATTING