Wine making process step by step /Detail guide of wine making/preparation and making of wine

Summary

This video, hosted by Naveen Chahal, explains the winemaking process, focusing on grape fermentation. It outlines five key steps: harvesting, crushing and pressing, fermentation, clarification, and aging. The process begins with hand or machine harvesting of grapes, followed by mechanical crushing. Fermentation occurs as yeast converts sugars to alcohol, and clarification removes impurities. The wine is then aged in bottles, barrels, or tanks, depending on the desired flavor. Techniques like maceration and various fining agents are used to tailor the final wine. The video emphasizes the winemaker's choices in influencing the wine's style.

Takeaways

• 🍇 In the European Union, wine is defined as an alcoholic beverage made exclusively from grapes, while fruit wines are made from other fruits.
• 🍷 The process of cultivating and harvesting grapes for wine is called viticulture, and a vineyard is the land where these grapes are grown.
• 🏛️ Winemaking (from grape selection to bottling) is called vinification, and the building where wine is produced is known as a winery.
• 🔬 Oenology is the branch of science that focuses on wine and the winemaking process.
• 🖐️ The winemaking process generally follows five basic steps: harvesting, crushing and pressing, fermentation, clarification, and aging/bottling.
• 🦶 Traditionally, grapes were crushed by stomping them with feet, but now mechanical presses are used, improving sanitation and wine quality.
• 🍇 Maceration is the time when grape skins are left in the must to impart color, tannins, and flavor to red wines.
• 🍶 Fermentation involves yeast converting the sugar in grape juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process can start naturally or with the use of cultured yeast.
• 🧪 Clarification removes unwanted substances from the wine through filtration or fining (using agents like gelatin or egg whites), followed by racking to separate sediments.
• ⏳ Aging the wine can be done in barrels, tanks, or bottles, and it impacts the wine's flavor. Oak barrels are commonly used to enhance flavor through oxygen exposure.

Q & A

What is the definition of wine according to the European Union?

In the European Union, wine refers to an alcoholic beverage made from grapes only. Wines made from other fruits are called fruit wines.

What is viticulture, and how does it relate to wine production?

Viticulture, also known as winegrowing, is the cultivation and harvesting of grapes specifically for making wine.

What are the five basic steps in the winemaking process?

The five basic steps in the winemaking process are: Harvesting, Crushing and Pressing, Fermentation, Clarification, and Aging and Bottling.

What is the significance of the grape harvesting stage in winemaking?

The timing of grape harvesting is crucial as it determines the sweetness, acidity, and flavor of the wine. Harvesting can be done by hand or machine, with hand-picking being preferred to preserve grape quality.

What is maceration in the context of winemaking?

Maceration is the period during which the must (fresh grape juice containing seeds, solids, and skins) is allowed to sit, giving red wines additional tannins, flavor, and color. This process is typically skipped for white wine.

What role does yeast play in the fermentation process?

During fermentation, yeast breaks down the sugars in the grape juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process can occur naturally or with the addition of cultured yeast, like Saccharomyces cerevisiae, to ensure consistency.

How is the clarification process carried out after fermentation?

Clarification is done to remove tannins, proteins, and dead yeast from the wine. It can be done through filtration, where the wine passes through a filter with small holes, or fining, where agents are added to bind with unwanted molecules.

What is the difference between aging and maturation in winemaking?

Aging refers to the reactions that improve a wine's flavor and taste over time, while maturation specifically refers to changes that occur after fermentation and before bottling. Both terms are often used interchangeably.

Why do some winemakers prefer to age wine in oak barrels rather than stainless steel tanks?

Many winemakers prefer oak barrels because they increase oxygen exposure, which helps develop the wine's flavor. Stainless steel tanks are commonly used for aging white wine, where less oxygen exposure is preferred.

What is the purpose of running periodic tests in the wine cellar during the aging process?

Periodic tests in the wine cellar are done to monitor the aging process and ensure the wine is developing as expected. If test results do not meet the winemaker's standards, corrective actions can be taken.