The wine making process
The wine making process encompasses all of the steps that grapes go through to become wine. Though different types of grapes and wine require different processes, all wine making generally follows these main steps:
The first step is called harvest, when the grapes are picked from the vines and brought to the winery. The next step is crushing and destemming, when the grapes are crushed and the stems are removed. This is followed by fermentation, when yeast is added to the grape must (crushed grapes) and turns the sugar into alcohol. After fermentation, the wine is pressed and clarification occurs, when the wine is separated from the grape skins. The final steps are aging, bottling, and labeling.
The vast majority of commercial wines are made using mechanized processes, though there is a growing trend of small wineries using traditional, manual methods. Grapes are typically harvested using a mechanical harvester, which shakes the grapes off of the vine and into a holding bin. The grapes are then transferred to a de-stemmer/crusher, which removes the stems and breaks the grapes open. The crushed grape mixture, or must, is then pumped into fermentation tanks.
Yeast is added to the must in order to begin the fermentation process, in which the yeast convert the sugars in the grape juice into alcohol. Red wines usually undergo a longer fermentation process than white wines, during which time they are often kept in contact with the grape skins in order to extract color and tannins. After fermentation is complete, the wine is pressed in a press machine in order to separate the solids (skins and seeds) from the liquid.
The wine is then transferred to barrels or tanks for aging, during which time it clarifies and develops complexity. After aging, the wine is bottled and labeled. Wine making is both an art and a science, and the methods used to produce wine have been evolving for centuries. There is a great deal of experimentation and innovation that goes into making wine, and new techniques are constantly being developed. The wine making process is truly an artistry..Original source
how to store wine made from grapes
Wine made from grapes can be a great addition to any Context, but there are a few things to consider when storing it. Wine made from grapes is best stored in a cool, dark place with a consistent temperature. Wine made from grapes can also be stored in a wine fridge, which will keep the wine at a consistent temperature and humidity level. If you are storing wine made from grapes in a wine fridge, make sure to set the temperature to between 55-58 degrees Fahrenheit.
When storing wine made from grapes, it is important to keep the wine away from direct sunlight or fluorescent light. Light can cause the wine to spoil faster. It is also important to store wine made from grapes horizontally so that the wine comes in contact with the cork. This will help to keep the cork moist, which will prevent the wine from exposure to oxygen.
If you are storing wine made from grapes for a long period of time, it is important to check on the wine periodically. Wine can begin to spoil if it is not stored properly. If you notice any changes in the color or taste of the wine, it is important to discard the wine.
Visit howtomakewinefromgrapes.com to learn more about making wine from grapes. Disclaimer: We used this website as a reference for this blog post.