Wine is an ancient and exquisite drink. Its production process goes through a series of complex steps from picking grapes to bottling. Below we will explain in detail how to make wine.
1. Grape picking
The first step in making wine is to pick ripe grapes. Generally speaking, grape picking time is in the morning or evening after the grapes are ripe, because the sugar and acidity of the grapes are optimal at this time. Be careful not to damage the grapes when picking, so as not to affect the subsequent fermentation process.
2. Grape pressing
The picked grapes need to be pressed to extract the grape juice. The traditional method involves crushing the grapes with your feet to separate the skin and pulp. Modern wineries use mechanical presses to accomplish this step. When pressing, pay attention to control the pressure and time to avoid bringing the bitterness and sourness in the peel into the grape juice.
3. Fermentation of grape juice
After grape juice is pressed, it needs to be fermented. Fermentation is the process of converting the sugars in grape juice into alcohol and carbon dioxide. Typically, winemakers add yeast to promote the fermentation process. Fermentation is generally carried out in temperature-controlled vessels, and the time depends on the grape variety and the winemaker's requirements.
4. Clarification of wine
After fermentation is completed, there will be some solid particles and impurities in the wine. In order for wine to become clear and transparent, a fining step is required. Generally speaking, winemakers will use various fining agents, such as egg white, gelatin, etc., to absorb impurities suspended in the wine and cause them to settle to the bottom.
5. Aging of wine
The clarified wine needs to be aged to make its taste more delicate and complex. Aging times are generally longer and can range from a few months to a few years. During the aging process, the wine slowly acquires more aroma and taste characteristics.
6. Wine filtration and bottling
After aging is completed, the wine needs to be filtered to remove residual impurities and solid particles. Filtration can use various filters, such as paper filters or ceramic filters. The filtered wine can be bottled ready for enjoyment.
End
Making wine is a craft that requires patience and skill, and every step requires careful operation and control. From picking ripe grapes to bottling wine, every step will have an impact on the final quality of the wine. I hope that through the introduction of this article, you will have a deeper understanding of the process of making wine.