What is Brix?
A measurement of sugar content in grapes, used to determine ripeness and potential alcohol.
Understanding Brix
Brix is a scale measuring sugar content in grapes, with each degree Brix representing 1% sugar by weight. Winemakers use Brix to determine harvest timing—higher Brix means riper grapes with more potential alcohol. As a rough rule, Brix × 0.55 approximates final alcohol percentage. Most dry wines come from grapes harvested at 22-26 Brix. Late-harvest and dessert wines may reach 35 Brix or higher.
Why It Matters
Brix affects both ripeness perception and alcohol level. Understanding Brix helps explain harvest decisions and resulting wine styles.
Examples
- 1Grapes at 24 Brix produce wine around 13% alcohol
- 2Ice wine grapes may reach 40+ Brix
- 3Early-harvest grapes at 20 Brix make lighter wines
Related Wine Terms
Quick Definition
"A measurement of sugar content in grapes, used to determine ripeness and potential alcohol."
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