The Yeast Life Cycle – WMA003

Yeast is the star of the show when it comes to producing wine. Without these micro-organisms wine making itself would not be possible.

Wine yeast being hydrated in preparation for fermentation.
Wine yeast being rehydrated (currently in the lag phase)

In this episode of The Winemaker’s Academy Podcast we explore what the yeast go through during the fermentation process. This is what is known as the yeast life cycle.

This cycle is broken down into four major phases, each of which describe what the yeast population is doing. Continue reading “The Yeast Life Cycle – WMA003”

Using Pectic Enzymes to Make Wine

Nearly every fruit wine recipe calls for pectic enzymes to be added but what do they really do? How do the work? Are there any safety concerns when working with this additive? Let’s find out.

Pectic enzymes break down the pectin found between the primary and secondary cell walls of grape cells.
Pectin is located between the primary and secondary cell walls. Click for a larger image.

Pectic enzyme, also known as pectinase, is a protein that is used to break down pectin, a jelly like glue that holds plant cells together. In wines pectin can cause troublesome “pectin haze” that is not easily cleared without the use of pectic enzymes. Continue reading “Using Pectic Enzymes to Make Wine”

Simplified Wine Making Process – WMA002

In this episode of the Winemaker’s Academy Podcast we’ll be exploring a simplified way of looking at the wine making process. After all the better understanding we have of this process the better wines we’ll be able to make.

The process discussed in the episode is based on an article I wrote previously entitled The Wine Making Process Simplified.

Additionally the show covers a variety of questions from Academy members and fans. Here’s a taste of what’s covered:

White wine with an orange hue.
White wine with orange hue. Thoughts? Leave a comment below.
  • Is there a way to tell if there is still gas in the wine that needs to come out before I bottle?
  • Which fruit is suitable for wine making other than grapes?
  • Fizzy wine
  • Does more concentrated juice (costs more) in the kit make for a better wine and why?
  • My white wines they tend to look gold in color and not a clear light white. Why?

 

Continue reading “Simplified Wine Making Process – WMA002”

Carbonic Maceration of Wine Grapes

Carbonic maceration is a unique method of fermenting grapes into wine. While it doesn’t completely ferment all of the sugar into alcohol, it does impart a unique character on the wine.

Whole grape clusters are used in carbonic maceration.What makes this method of fermentation so different is that you begin with whole, unbroken grape clusters still on the stems. The grapes are then placed in a sealed fermentation container filled with carbon dioxide. Continue reading “Carbonic Maceration of Wine Grapes”

Are White or Red Wines Easier to Make? – WMA001

grapes400Here it is! The very first episode of the Winemaker’s Academy Podcast. This has been a long time in the making but I am proud to have finally brought this to the world.

In this episode I spend a little time introducing myself, the Academy, as well as talking about the show format. After that we get into the meat of the show, reader questions.

The following questions and concerns are addressed in this episode:

  1. What is easier to make, white or red wines and why?
  2. Trouble degassing.
  3. Is there any difference in adding the bentonite before primary fermentation or after?
  4. My airlock looks like it might dump into the carboy, what should I do?
  5. My wine is finished fermenting, Is it too late to add malolatic bacteria?
  6. We forgot to add the stabilizer powder to our Merlot red wine before bottling. What can we do?
  7. My wine has been in the carboys for about 6 weeks. Is it to late to add raisins to the wine?

Further reading on topics related to this show’s topics:

If you’ve got questions you’d like to have answered on the show please email me using this contact form.

Podcast Cover Photograph by: Jim Bahn