Vinification

Vinification is the production process of wine, starting from the selection of the fruit, its fermentation into alcohol, and the bottling of the finished liquid. The history of wine-making stretches over millennia. The science of wine and winemaking is known as oenology. A winemaker may also be called a vintner. The growing of grapes is viticulture and there are many varieties of grapes.

History

Wine has been produced for thousands of years. The earliest evidence of wine is from ancient China (c. 7000 BC), Georgia (c. 6000 BC), Iran (c. 5000 BC), and Sicily (c. 4000 BC). The earliest evidence of the production of wine is from archaeological sites in Georgia and Iran, dating from 6000 to 5000 BC.

Process

Vinification involves several stages, including grape harvesting, crushing and pressing, fermentation, clarification, aging and bottling. Each stage has its own importance and contributes to the final product's quality and taste.

Grape Harvesting

Grape harvesting is the first step in the process of vinification. The timing of the harvest is crucial and depends on the ripeness of the grape. The grapes are usually harvested by hand or by machine.

Crushing and Pressing

After the grapes are sorted, they are ready to be de-stemmed and crushed. For white wine, the wine maker will quickly crush and press the grapes in order to separate the juice from the skins, seeds, and solids. This is to prevent unwanted color and tannins from leaching into the wine. Red wine, on the other hand, leaves the juice in contact with the skins to acquire flavor, color, and additional tannins.

Fermentation

Fermentation can be done in stainless steel, which gives a fresh and clean aromatic character to the wine. It can also be done in an open wooden vat, which gives the wine a more traditional and deeper flavor profile.

Clarification

After fermentation is complete, the wine must be clarified. Clarification involves getting rid of the solid particles that cloud the wine. Filtration and fining are the most common methods used to clarify wine.

Aging and Bottling

The aging process is where the wine's flavor is truly formed. The wine is stored in barrels for anywhere from a few months to several years. After aging, the wine is bottled and ready for sale.

See Also

• Winemaking
• Oenology
• Viticulture
• Fermentation (wine)

Vinification Resources
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