Winemaking styles Flashcards
name the four main styles of winemaking
1) Conventional
2) Organic
3) BD
4) Natural / minimal intervention
What does conventional winemaking allow primarily
manipulation:
- of temperature (flash detente, cold maceration…)
- additives (yeast, tannins, acid, sugars, fining agents…
- other manipulations such as dealcoholisation, pressing and filtering
Briefly describe organic winemaking
1) uses organic grapes
2) Can still use cultured yeasts.
3) use of organic albumin for fining
4) additives like yeast nutrients and tannins can be added.
5) certification is dictated by institutions, region or country (Winegrowers of NZ ; US agriculture dept; EU)
6) Control of SO2 levels are gauged
What levels of SO2 are allowed in the US in organic wines
Only naturally occurring SO2, and levels have to be less than 10mg/L. EU allows small doses ofSO2 in organic wine.
For Biodynamic winemaking, what are the rules about natural yeast
In the UK, natural yeast is recommended, bu not obligatory
In the US, it is obligatory (unless he fermentation is stuck)
Which will be more expensive - BD or organic wines? Why?
BD will be a little pricier as there is a lot more risk in production of the product, and also lower yields. Organic winemaking incurs small costs only. Certification is a negligible cost for both Org and BD.
What is the name of the certifying association for BD winemaking?
Demeter
Explain the concept of natural wine making.
This is minimal intervention; the winemaker will not undertake any adjustments, SO2 will be either not present at all, or minimal. Ambient yeast will be used, and wines will not be fined.
What is the certifying body for natural wines
There isn’t one, other than a self regulating Association des vins naturels. There aren’t strict rules abut it, so any grapes can be used. It simply refers to the winemaking process - unlike Org and BD which both insist on grapes grown to that standard.
What is the overall aim of Org and BD wines?
To create wines that are in harmony with their environment, and also that are naturally more resistant to pests and diseases.
What is the aim of Horn Manure Preparation 500, and how is it prepared?
To increase the humus levels in the soil, promoting deeper rooting.
It is made by stuffing manure into a cow horn, and burying it in the soil over winter.
After winter, the contents is removed from the horn, diluted in water (in homeopathic quantities) while stirring (dynamising the water, so the power of the formula is “remembered” by the water) and then applied to the soil
What is Horn Silica Preparation 501, and how is it prepared?
The aim of this is to improve the vine’s relationship with the sun, encouraging plant growth.
It is prepared by stuffing a cow horn with crushed quartz (silica) and burying it in the soil for 6 months (usually over summer). It is then dug up, and stirred in homeopathic quantities into water, and applied to the soil.
What is the aim of preparations 502-507 and give their base components
They are thought to assist with the decomposition of the compost, and are used together to break down the compost pile.
The plant basis are: nettle, oak ark, yarrow, chamomile, valerian, dandelion
