Vinifying red wines: a delicate touch required.

From the north of the Bourgogne region to the south, depending on the characteristics of the vintage, vinification of red wines can vary greatly. For example, some winegrowers destalk their grapes, while others vinify in whole bunches. The varietal plays a key role, too. Pinot Noir, which is particularly delicate, requires a more careful approach than any other grape.

Vinification of red wine

Vinification of red wine starts with alcoholic fermentation, a process during which the grape juice turns into wine. Unlike with white wines which are pressed on arrival in the winery, grapes for red wines, either crushed or in whole bunches, are placed in vats to macerate. The juice is clear to start with and requires contact with the skins and pips to bring color and tannins to the wine. During this maceration process, the alcoholic fermentation begins, either naturally or sometimes triggered with the addition of yeasts.

Each day, the cap of skin and pips is broken up and pushed down into the juice to help the development of color and tannins. The process is known as pigeage and used to be done with the feet. Nowadays, a special tool is used to protect the raw material.
When fermentation is complete, the wine is pressed and then placed in vats or barrels for ageing.

During the ageing process, the red wines undergo a second malolactic fermentation, during which the malic acid in the wine turns to lactic acid, making the wines smoother.

 

Cap punching / Pumping over

Cap punching / Pumping over

Cap punching consists of pushing the pomace cap down into the juice (manual or mechanical plunger) while pumping over is pumping the juice from the bottom of the tank to soak the pomace cap (made up of solid matter). 

  • Homogenise the tank and put the juice in contact with the grape skins that contain the colouring elements and some of the tannins
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The process for vinifying

red Bourgogne wines

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