The term used in viticulture comes from the French cuve (vat, wine container). In the original sense, it refers to a certain quantity of wine in a fermentation vat. The meaning of the word varies depending on the context. In German-speaking countries, it is generally understood to mean the result of blending wines from different grape varieties, for which the German term Verschnitt is also used. However, this can also be grape musts that are then fermented together, as is common in the southern Rhône.

The picture shows the blending of three grape varieties during winemaking, in which different components work together to achieve a successful result (cuvée). 1 = Alcohol, 2 = tannins and colour, 3 = flavourings. This results in a colourful, tannic and aromatic red wine with a balanced alcohol content.
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The glossary is a monumental achievement and one of the most important contributions to wine knowledge. Of all the encyclopaedias I use on the subject of wine, it is by far the most important. That was the case ten years ago and it hasn't changed since.
Andreas Essl
Autor, Modena