While many of us are likely in the middle of harvest, it’s important to remember those post-fermentation processes that have a profound impact on wine quality. Below, I’ll review 4 tips that ensure the maintenance of wine quality as fermentation ends. For Whites and Rosés, Rack Once, Off of Gross Lees, 24-Hours After Fermentation is […]
Fermentation
The Sensory Effects of Green Juice vs. Brown Juice
In the pre-fermentation juice stages of white wine production, winemakers are provided the option to add sulfur dioxide (or not). Do you know why you would (or wouldn’t) add sulfur dioxide to a white juice pre-fermentation? When sulfur dioxide is added to most white juice, the browning enzyme polyphenol oxidase or PPO is inactivated. The […]
Red Wine Color and the Processes that Change It
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 Trendy Winemaking Techniques for 2021
Winemakers often get overly ambitious at the start of a harvest season. It’s an opportunity to try new techniques, alter wine additions, and create something they previously imagined. However, conquering the fundamentals associated with winemaking often provides a solid foundation for crafting really great wines. This includes things like: Having sound sanitation practices. Receiving and […]