Post-Fermentation Adjustments

Question 1

Which elements of a wine can be adjusted post-fermentation?

Answer 1

• acidity
• tannins
• abv
• color
• sugar

Question 2

How should a winemaker approach post-fermentation adjustments?

Answer 2

Winemakers should aim to only make small adjustments post-fermentation, in order to not upset the balance of the wine.

Question 3

How can a winemaker remove alcohol post-fermentation?

Answer 3

• adding water (where permitted)
• reverse osmosis
• spinning cone

Question 4

How does reverse osmosis work, and what are the drawbacks?

Answer 4

A form of cross-flow filtration removing flavorless components (water and alcohol mixture). The alcohol is distilled from the mixture, and the water is added back into the original wine.

Drawback: expensive

Question 5

How does the spinning cone work, and what is the drawback?

Answer 5

Spinning cone extracts aroma compounds, then removes the alcohol. Aroma compounds are blended back into the wine.

Drawback: expensive

Question 6

How can winemakers adjust the color of the wine?

Answer 6

Reduction of unwanted color: fining

Increase of color intensity: addition of small amounts of a day, megapurple