Maceration
Maceration
Maceration in wine is the process of soaking crushed grape skins, seeds and stems in the juice (must) to extract color, tannins and aroma compounds. Maceration can be cold (before fermentation), warm (during fermentation), or carbonic (used in making Beaujolais wines). It is crucial in red wine creation as it is responsible for their structure and color, with wines which are soaked for longer being fuller bodied and deeper colored. Rosés and some white wines are also macerated for varying periods of time.
See Also
Yield
The yield signifies the amount of grapes or wine produced from a specific vineyard area, commonly measured in tons per acre in the US, or hectoliters per hectare in Europe. Lower yields are associated with better quality, while higher yields produce lighter and less concentrated wines.
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.
Sediment
The term "sediment" signifies the natural, organic by products of the winemaking and aging process. It is made up of grape solids (skins, seeds, pulp), dead yeast cells (lees) and tartarate crystals (wine diamonds).
Fermentation
Fermentation is a natural biochemichal process where yeast consumes the natural sugars in grape juice and converts them into alcohol, carbon dioxide and heat. At the end of fermentation, grape juice is converted into wine.
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.
Clarification
Wine clarification is a process winemakers use to remove suspended solids, such as dead yeast (lees), grape skins, pulp and proteins.
Pruning
Pruning is the essential act of cutting back dormant grapevines to remove old wood and limit the number of future buds. It is important for managing vineyard health, controlling grape yield and improving fruit quality.
Yeast
Yeast in wine is a microscopic, single celled fungus, typically Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which triggers fermentation by transforming the sugars in must into ethanol and carbon dioxide. Yeasts are essential for converting grape juice into wine and they determine its final alcohol content, aroma and flavor profile.