Chapter 13 - General Winemaking Options Flashcards
(46 cards)
Bad effects of O2
- Breaks down aroma compounds
- Turns white wines darker –> brown (phenolics in red wine have anti-oxidative effect)
- Creates unwanted products (acetaldehyde is the oxidation of ethanol that causes nutty apple aromas)
- Growth of spoilage organisms (brett, acetic acid bacteria)
How to avoid O2
- Ullage
- Cool constant temp
- Adding SO2
- Using impermeable vessels
- Using inert gases to flush O2 out of equipment
Good effects of O2 (6 things)
- Adds complexity
- Changes aromas and flavors for greater range and diversity
- Exposure to some O2 for white wine must increases oxidation stability
- Prevents reduction faults
- Needed to grow initial yeast population
- Required for reaction between anthocyanins and tannins for color stability
How to increase O2 exposure
- Racking
- Pump overs (cap management)
- Limiting SO2
- Using permeable vessels (barrels)
- Allowing ullage
- Using techniques that pump oxygen into the must (ie micro-oxygenation)
When are the best times to add SO2?
- Right after grapes are harvest
- Right when they arrive at the winery
- When grapes are crushed
- After malo
- Right before bottling
2 main purposes of SO2
Anti-microbial
anti-oxidant
Bound SO2 vs Free SO2
Bound SO2 - the portion that reacts with compounds in the liquid and are ineffective against oxidation and microbes
Free SO2 - unbound portion. Most exist in an inactive form. Some exist as molecular SO2 that is the most effective against oxidation and microbes
Why is adding too much sulfur bad?
- Reductive faults can occur (rotten eggs)
2. Can dull aromas and cause the wine to taste harsh
Threats to grapes when they first get to the winery
- Ambient yeast
- Oxidation
- Bacteria (ie acetic acid bacteria)
- Warm temp
How to minimize threat of oxidation & microbial infection during transport to winery?
- Pick at night or at cool temps
- Put grapes in smaller crates so they dont get crushed
- Spray crates w/ So2 or upon arrival
- Storing grapes in cool storage upon arrival
- Sanitizing all equipment used
Order of processes once grapes arrive at the winery:
- Chill
- Sort
- Destem (optional)
- Crush (optional)
Ways to sort grapes
- Hand harvest
- Sorting by hand on a table or vibrating belt
- Optical sorting (only for premium/super premium wines)
When would you not destem your grapes?
- Whole Cluster/Bunch Fermentation (some whites like for high quality sparkling will also be whole cluster)
- Carbonic Maceration
Whata is Must?
The mixture of grape juice, pulp, skins, and seeds. AKA substance being fermented
Types of Batch Presses
- Pneumatic Press
- Basket Press
- Horizontal Screw Press
Pros of Pneumatic Presses
- Can adjust pressure depending on desired extraction
2. Can be flushed with inert gas to prevent oxidation
Pros of Basket Press
- Most gentle press method
Cheapest Press Method
Continuous Press - quicker, less gentle than pneumatic and basket, used for high volume inexpensive wines
Pomace
The solid remains of the grapes after pressing
Reducing Alcohol Methods
- Adding water (will dilute the flavors though)
2. Removing alcohol post fermentation
Enrichment Methods
- Chaptalization (in EU, only allowed in cooler regions) via cane sugar or beet sugar
- Adding RCGM (rectified concentrated grape must)
- Adding Grape Must
- Reverse Osmosis
- Vacuum Evaporation
- Cryoextraction (freezing and then removing ice)
Con of 4-6 - decreases overall volume
Acidification Methods
When is the best time to add acid?
Most common: adding tartaric acid
Others:
citric acid (not allowed in EU)
Malic acid (can be turned into lalic acid via malo)
Lactic acid (used if adjustments are after malo. Tends to taste less harsh)
Best time to acidify: before ferm bc it lowers the pH (helps prevent microbial spoilage) and integrates better with the rest of the wine
Deacidification Methods:
- Adding calcium carbonate to precipitate the acid out as tartrates
- Ion exchange (expensive and not always allowed)
Adding Tannins method and why would you do it?
Add powedered tannins Why? Better mouthfeel Help clarify the must in red wine Help stabilize the color