Red Wine Pressing

Question 1

When does pressing happen for red wines?

Answer 1

• when no more extraction is desired from the skins

Question 2

Why are red wines less likely to have the press flushed with inert gas prior to pressing?

Answer 2

• red wines are usually better protected against the effects of oxygen than white wines

Question 3

Describe the process of pressing red wines.

Answer 3

• free run wine drained from fermentation vessel
• grape skins dug from bottom of tank
• grape skins pressed

Question 4

What are the differences between free run wine and press wine?

Answer 4

• free run: lower in tannins, fruity flavors
• press wine: higher in tannins, color, and flavor

Question 5

What are the risks of using the pressed wine?

Answer 5

• pressed wine from lower quality grapes may have poor quality tannins and bitter tannins

Question 6

When is a carbonically macerated red wine typically pressed?

Answer 6

• when the fermenting must reaches 2% abv

Question 7

For a classic red fermentation, what three options does the winemaker have for timing the pressing?

Answer 7

1. press after post-fermentation maceration
2. press just after fermentation has completed
3. press just before fermentation is complete, and finish the fermentation in tank or barrel