Have you ever taken a sip of an incredible wine and wondered how it could be so delicious? Or maybe you’ve wondered how that glass you tried at a restaurant could taste so much better than something you’d buy at the store?
There’s one answer that applies in both cases — fermentation.
With the proper understanding of these wine basics, you can begin to enjoy wine in its most delicious form. Fermentation not only improves the taste of a wine but also impacts the alcohol content and its effects on your body.
To learn more about the basics of wine fermentation, keep reading for an all-in-one guide.
The Right Vineyard Matters
Wine fermentation is the process that turns fresh-pressed grape juice into one of the world’s favorite drinks. Thanks to advancements in technology, the process has been greatly improved; this is where Coravin Timeless comes in.
To successfully create a wine, the right vineyard matters. The goal of the winemaker is to produce grapes with the right balance of sweetness and acidity.
This is achieved by selecting grapes that are ripe and have full flavor. The grapes should also have great color and tannin structure for perfect balance.
Not only does the type of grape matter, but the location in which the vineyard is grown plays a role as well. Climate, soil, and terrain all contribute to the quality of the grapes, making the vineyard’s location important for crafting superb wines.
The Right Time to Harvest
The right time to harvest grapes for making wine is key to getting the desired result. The winemaker must analyze the grapes and decide when to harvest based on all of these factors.
Additionally, the winemaker must consider the levels of volatile acidity, pH, and malic acid in the grapes, as these play an important role in determining the taste profile and the final quality of the wine. The right time to harvest is essential to developing good wine.
Preparing and Crushing
When preparing for fermentation, the grapes are harvested, destemmed, and crushed before being placed in temperature-controlled tanks. In the tanks, the fermentation process breaks down the sugars. This process produces the flavor and aroma of red wine.
After crushing the grapes, many winemakers will add yeast and other agents to the juice to help with the fermentation process and provide a smoother, fuller-bodied flavor.
Next, the juice must undergo Primary Fermentation, which produces the desired levels of alcohol and acid while also releasing additional flavor and aroma. Once complete, the wine is further refined as flavors are blended and tweaked.
Exploring the Wine Fermentation
Overall, wine fermentation is an incredibly complex process. Understanding enough of the basics, however, can help anyone make more informed decisions at the store or bar.
With the necessary knowledge, you can select the perfect bottle for any occasion! To get started, reach out to your local winemaker or vineyard to learn more about the winemaking techniques.
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