The harvest months are a special time in wine country; mornings are crisp, days are sunny, and evenings linger with the scent of fermenting grapes hanging in the valley air. While the excitement of raw, uncrushed grapes dominates the early part of the season, the journey of grapes through the fermentation phase is a vital part of producing high quality wines.
Understanding Fermentation: Primary and Secondary
There are two types of fermentation that wines can undergo: primary and secondary fermentation. Primary fermentation is the conversion of grape sugars into ethanol by yeast, producing heat and CO2 in the process. All wines go through primary fermentation—otherwise, it would just remain as grape juice!
Secondary fermentation, on the other hand, is the transformation of malic acid into lactic acid by bacteria, releasing specific chemical compounds and CO2. All red wines in our portfolio undergo secondary fermentation, but for white and rosé wines, we assess this process on a case-by-case basis to enhance the desired flavor profiles.
Difference Between Red and White Wine Fermentation
Primary fermentation of red wines is a visual and sensory adventure, because the whole grape is included in the process. Our Winemakers choose specially adapted yeasts to enhance the flavors and textures unique to each grape variety. Read about our red grape harvest here.
For white wines, the process is slightly different. Only the extracted grape juice is used during fermentation, making the process more delicate and precise. Our Winemakers carefully monitor the temperatures during these fermentations, using carefully selected yeasts to develop the desired flavors. The result? Wines filled with fresh aromas of cut pears and ripe stone fruits, with balanced acidity and a smooth finish. Read more about our white grape harvest here.
Ensuring Quality from Grape to Glass
At NexTerra, we craft wines from grape to glass, giving each wine the ideal conditions for a healthy fermentation process. By dedicating our efforts to this crucial part of the winemaking journey, we ensure that our customers receive the full quality potential of each batch of grapes in their finished product. Whether you're looking to create custom wines for your brand or want to explore our ready-to-drink varietals, our private label winery is here to help you elevate your offerings. Contact us to learn more.