Oenology

Oenology (also spelled enology) is the science and study of all aspects of wine and winemaking except vine-growing and grape-harvesting, which is a subfield called viticulture. "Viticulture and oenology" together make up the scientific study of all aspects of wine production, from the planting of the vines and the harvesting of grapes to the bottling of the finished wine.

History

The history of oenology is closely tied to the history of wine, which dates back to the Neolithic period. The earliest evidence of winemaking was found in the country of Georgia, where archaeologists discovered wine residue inside ceramic jars that were dated to 6000 BC. The science of oenology itself, however, did not begin to develop until the 19th century, when Louis Pasteur conducted his groundbreaking research on fermentation.

Oenology and the Winemaking Process

Oenology involves the process of turning grapes into wine. This process includes several stages: harvesting, crushing and pressing, fermentation, clarification, and aging and bottling. Each stage requires careful attention and scientific understanding to ensure the quality of the final product.

Harvesting

The first step in the winemaking process is harvesting the grapes. The timing of the harvest is crucial and depends on the ripeness of the grape, which is determined by its sugar, acid and tannin levels.

Crushing and Pressing

After the grapes are harvested, they are sorted and crushed. Traditionally, this was done by foot, but most wineries now use mechanical grape crushers. The resulting mixture of juice, skins, seeds and stems is called must.

Fermentation

Fermentation is the process by which the sugar in the must is converted into alcohol by yeast. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a month.

Clarification

After fermentation, the wine is clarified. This involves removing the solids, such as dead yeast cells and tannins, that have settled at the bottom of the fermenting vessel.

Aging and Bottling

The final stage in the winemaking process is aging and bottling. The wine is transferred to barrels or tanks to age, which can take several months to several years. After aging, the wine is bottled and ready for sale.

Oenology and Wine Tasting

Oenology also involves the sensory evaluation of wine, or wine tasting. This includes assessing the wine's color, aroma, flavor, and texture. Wine tasting is an important part of oenology because it helps winemakers determine the quality of their wine and make necessary adjustments to their winemaking process.

See Also

• Viticulture
• Wine
• Winemaking
• Wine tasting
• Louis Pasteur