Wine Glossary
Definition: Refractometer
[ree-frak-TOM-ih-tuhr] An instrument used in winemaking to measure the sugar content of grapes and must. A refractometer, which can be used right in the vineyard, works by placing a drop of juice between the refractometer's prisms and reading the angle at which the light bends. The angle will vary depending on the juice's sugar content. This refractometer reading is described in terms of brix in the United States, baumé in France, and oechsle in Germany.
Source: Answers.com; Wine Lover's Companion - R & S Herbst
