Fermentation
Fermentation
Fermentation is a natural biochemichal process where yeast consumes the natural sugars (glucose and fructose) in grape juice and converts them into alcohol, carbon dioxide and heat. It can take 7 days to several weeks for complete fermentation to occur and at the end, grape juice is transformed into wine. White wines are fermented cooler (50-64°F) to retain their fruit notes, while red wines ferment warmer (68-86°F) to extract color and tannins.
See Also
Hybrid
Hybrid varieties are created by crossing two or more different grapevine species to get a final product that offers resistance to cold, diseases and humidity, making them ideal for tough climates.
Lees
Lees are the dead yeast cells, grape seeds and skins left over in the fermentation tank after fermentation. There are two types of lees; gross lees and fine lees.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a soft organic acid produced during malolactic fermentation of wines. It smoothens the wine's total acidity, increases pH and adds creamy, buttery or velvety textures and flavors.
Amphora
Amphora is a traditional clay or terracotta vessel used for fermenting, aging and storing wine. These vessels are neutral and porous, allowing micro oxygenation without adding oak flavors.
Malic Acid
Malic acid is a naturally occuring organic acid in wine grapes, primarily found in unripe or cool climate berries. It gives a sharp acidity, tartness and freshness to wine.
Crush
The Crush refers to the period in late summer or fall when harvested grapes are mechanically broken to rupture their skins and release the juice, initiating the winemaking process.
Oak
Oak imparts flavor, aroma and texture into wines through fermentation in oak barrels. These barrels act as gentle, breathable vessels that add complex notes and improve the wine's overall structure and mouthfeel.
Harvest
The harvest marks the end of the vine growing cycle, typically occuring between August and October in the Northern hemisphere. It is the stage where ripe grapes are picked from the vineyard to begin winemaking.