Written on 16/12/2020
The crucial stages in wine-making
Like any craft that has been partly industrialized, wine-making has seen its techniques and equipment evolve dramatically. And yet, the key stages in the process leading from the grape to your glass are still there. It's around them that know-how has evolved, and not at their expense. It's the seriousness and originality that will ensure that, despite these same steps, no two wines are alike...
To better understand how "wine is made", here are the most important steps:
THE VENDANGE
Harvesting isn't just a family affair - it's a crucial first step! The choice of grapes and the care with which they are handled will determine the quality of the future nectar. The timing of the harvest also determines the character of the wine.
Although machines are available, many winegrowers still prefer the more delicate manual harvest!
FOULING
While we still have the image of young girls pulling their petticoats up to their knees to crush the grapes with their feet, today (fortunately?) the grapes are crushed and pressed by machines, improving the quality of the wine. After pressing, we obtain the must: thick grape juice, still rich in skin and pips.
FERMENTATION
For a few days, this juice will ferment slowly with yeast (added or not). The purpose of this fermentation is to let the sugars slowly transform into alcohol. Depending on how long the juice is left to ferment, it becomes a dry or sweet wine...
CLARIFICATION
It's time to remove the residues that don't belong in a respectable bottle of wine! That's what clarification is all about. Tannins, dead yeast and other unwanted proteins are filtered out.
MATURATION
Now we'll let the wine rest... or not! It may as well be bottled straight away... However, it won't have time to develop all its aromas, nor to get rid of any excess tannins... While aging in oak barrels remains the traditional way, some people use steel vats and manage honorably...
Now you know, in a nutshell, how wine is made. If you want to know more, and when the weather's right, come and visit us! We'll be delighted to show you how our grands crus are created!
