Define "Cépage" in winemaking.

Cépage is a French term that specifically refers to the grape variety or the varietal composition used in winemaking. Understanding this term is essential for sommeliers since it provides insight into not only the flavor profile of the wine but also its potential quality and style. Different grape varieties possess distinctive characteristics, such as flavor, aroma, acidity, and tannin structure, which contribute to the overall profile of the wine. In discussions about wine, knowing the cépage allows professionals and enthusiasts alike to appreciate the context in which a wine was produced, as well as how it pairs with food or fits within certain winemaking traditions.

In contrast, aging processes pertain to how wine matures over time in barrels or bottles, while the specific vineyard where grapes are grown relates to terroir or geographic factors influencing the wine. Winemaking techniques involve methods used to create the wine, such as fermentation processes or filtration. However, none of these aspects directly define cépage, reinforcing the centrality of grape variety in the discussion of wine.