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During the wine making process, malolactic conversion transforms sharp malic acids into softer lactic acids. What wines, and wine styles employ this “secondary fermentation”? Malolactic conversion, also referred to as secondary fermentation, uses bacteria to transform muscular malic acids (think green apple) into smoother tasting lactic acids (think milk). Many white wines undergo a partial malolactic conversion, and pretty much every red wine goes through this process. What does it mean to the style of the finished wines, and how do you manipulate the level of malolactic conversion? Crushpad Chief Winemaker, Michael Zitzlaff fills us in.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Extended maceration is the wine making process where red wine is left in contact with the grape skins after fermentation is complete. This technique is employed when a winemaker wishes to modify the amount, and types, of tannin present when pressing the wine to barrel. It may seem counterintuitive but this extended amount of time in contact with the skins, seeds, and stems can actually soften the tannin structure of a wine that finishes fermentation with an elevated sharp tannin structure.

Grist Vineyard’s Warren Burton talks about Veraison. Veraison marks the coming of harvest. But, what is veraison and how do vineyard managers use this period to ensure only the best grapes are used? Warren Burton of Grist Vineyard in Sonoma’s Dry Creek Valley shows how grapevines are thinned during veraison.

During the wine making process, White wines are pressed prior to fermentation and red wines are pressed after fermentation. Those are the basics but when you press, how hard you press, how much pressed wine to blend with your free run wine… well it pays to keep an eye on the wine and taste frequently to make sure you press at the appropriate time to hit the stylistic goals for your wine. In this Winemaker’s Minute, Crushpad winemaker Chris Nelson explains all the variables involved, and the key indicators to watch as you are making these decisions.

During the wine making process, fining wine can be used to clarify and soften wines. Fining is the process of clarifying and stabilizing a wine. A fining agent is mixed in to bind with particles suspended in wine that would make it appear cloudy when poured into a glass. Since fining agents are slightly heavier than wine, the bound particles precipitate out and settle to the bottom of the tank. Sometimes you might fine wine to clean it up if it is cloudy, other times you might wish to soften the wine by precipitating out compounds that are astringent. Most red wines won’t need fining but whites benefit from the process so they remain crystal clear as they age in the bottle.

Should you filter wine during the wine making process – You decide. Most white wines are filtered prior to bottling, and some reds are. Filtering can clarify a wine so that it sparkles in your glass, but if you filter wine too heavily it can strip away character. How do you decide what level of filtration, if any, is appropriate for your wine? Well, you ask a guy who has 25+ years wine making experience making that call. Crushpad’s Chief Winemaker, Michael Zitzlaff explains your options.
Video Rating: 4 / 5