Step 1: Harvesting the Grapes
When making high-quality red wine, the grapes must be harvested by hand in order to ensure that only the best fruit is used. The timing of the harvest is also crucial, as the grapes must be picked when they are perfectly ripe. The grapes are carefully sorted and any damaged or unripe fruit is discarded.
Step 2: Crushing and Destemming
After the grapes are harvested, they are crushed and destemmed to remove the stems and extract the juice. This is typically done using a mechanical crusher and destemmer. The grapes are then left to ferment in either stainless steel tanks or oak barrels.
Step 3: Fermentation
During fermentation, yeast converts the sugar in the grape juice into alcohol. The temperature and length of fermentation are carefully controlled in order to extract the desired flavors and aromas from the grapes. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is left to age in oak barrels for several months to several years.
Step 4: Blending
After the wine has finished aging, it is blended with other wines to create the desired flavor profile. This step requires a great deal of expertise, as the winemaker must balance the flavors of the different wines to create a harmonious blend.
Step 5: Bottling and Aging
Once the blending is complete, the wine is bottled and left to age for several more months to several more years. This aging process allows the wine to develop complex flavors and aromas.
Step 6: The Finishing Touches
Before the wine is ready to be sold, it undergoes a final round of scrutiny. The winemaker checks the quality of the wine, and makes any necessary adjustments to the flavor or aroma. Once the wine is approved, it is labeled and packaged for sale to wine enthusiasts around the world!
