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 […]
Fermentation
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 […]
Harvest is Coming: Are You Ready?
One of the benefits of working with a winemaking consultant is having someone readily available reminding you to prepare for harvest. Harvest sneaks up on all of us. Every year! Without fail. The time is now to prepare the cellar for the 2021 harvest season. Here are some suggestions, tools, and resources to get you […]
Grapes Have Disease? Try These Wine Processing Options
Most grape diseases have an influence in wine quality in a detrimental way. Winemakers, however, can make processing decisions to help minimize that negative influence from grape disease on wine quality. For a full list of production choices when dealing with diseased fruit, please visit the webinar and downloadable notes, “Creatively Perfecting Wines from Challenging […]
