A winemaker’s desire to produce a deeply colored, concentrated red wine can be a strong driving force behind winemaking operational decisions. Processes like cold soak, extended maceration, or even the use of saignée become the norm when winemakers hear other winemakers employ these techniques to enhance red wine color. But sometimes our use of a […]
Are you taking adequate fermentation records?
Having adequate detail in an easy-to-navigate record keeping format allows winemakers to: quickly see past decisions, evaluate which treatments were effective for various wines, and assess general inventory needs on a regular basis. While the use of wine production software systems are often helpful, many winemakers strive to take good notes on the cellar floor. […]
3 Facts About YAN You Probably Forgot
As many winemakers have already jumped into harvest, I wanted to highlight just how important nutrient supplementation can be during primary fermentation! But, wait! Are you confused about what YAN is? Have no fear! You can jump over to my FREE primer on yeast available/assimilable nitrogen (YAN), Fermentation Nutrition: What to Know and Why to […]
3 Ways Any Winemaker Can Improve Their Skillset Today
In my previous job as an Extension Enologist for Penn State University and now, as a Winemaking Consultant, I regularly find that so many winery operations (and their employees) are hesitant to invest in technical guidance or assistance. As someone who has regularly found that winemaking knowledge is power in the cellar, it is quite […]
Is Wine Analysis Important in Winemaking?
Maintaining good winemaking records is key to monitoring the quality of the wine. Many winemakers take good notes, recording processing steps as well as all ingredient and processing aid additions that go into the wine. However, maintaining adequate analytical records of wine is also important. As a consultant, I meet winemakers with a variety of […]
Are you maintaining the fundamentals on filtration?
Wine filtration seems to stump many of us. Some wines go through filtration with ease. Others… not so much. But why? Why is there such variation in filtration success? Filtration challenges and reminders Filtration is an essential part of the winemaking process, offering both clarification and microbial stability options for a wine. Filtration operations are […]
