Oechsle scale

The Oechsle scale is a hydrometer scale measuring the density of grape must,[1] which is an indication of grape ripeness and sugar content used in wine-making. It is named for Ferdinand Oechsle (1774–1852) and it is widely used in the German, Swiss and Luxembourgish wine-making industries. On the Oechsle scale, one degree Oechsle (°Oe) corresponds to one gram of the difference between the mass of one litre of must at 20 °C and 1 kg (the mass of 1 litre of water). For example, must with a specific mass of 1084 grams per litre has 84 °Oe.

  1. ^ By a slight abuse of physical terminology one says in German that the Mostgewicht (must weight) is measured rather than the must's density.