A layer of yeast that forms on the surface of certain wines, particularly sherry, during aging. Also Spanish/Portuguese for 'flower.'
From Spanish flor meaning 'flower,' from Latin flōs, flōris. In wine terminology, the yeast layer was named 'flor' because it blooms like a flower on the wine's surface. The term entered English wine vocabulary in the 19th century.
Flor yeast is magical in winemaking - it literally eats alcohol and creates unique flavors while protecting the wine from oxidation. Sherry makers have cultivated these wild yeasts for centuries without understanding the science, creating one of wine's most complex flavor profiles through pure intuition.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.