how to make grape wine
How do you press the grapes to extract the juice?
In order to extract the juice from grapes, you must first press them. There are a few different ways that you can do this, but the most common method is to use a winepress. A winepress is a large, wooden frame that has a plunger in the middle. The grapes are placed in the frame and the plunger is used to press them. This process extracts the juice from the grapes and it is collected in a container below the press.
You can also extract the juice from grapes by crushing them with your hands. This is a more gentle method than using a winepress and it is often used for making grape juice. To do this, simply place the grapes in a large bowl and crush them with your hands. The juice will flow out and can be collected in a container.
Finally, you can also use a food processor or blender to extract the juice from grapes. This method is very easy and is often used when making large quantities of grape juice. Simply place the grapes in the blender or food processor and blend until they are liquified. The juice will then flow out and can be collected in a container.
No matter which method you use, extracting the juice from grapes is a very simple process. With a little patience and elbow grease, you can easily make your own delicious grape juice at home..Find Out More
How can you troubleshoot faults in grape wine?
It’s a sad day when you open a bottle of wine that you were really looking forward to and find that it’s faulty. Whether it’s corked, oxidised, stewed or otherwise off, it can be frustrating trying to work out what’s gone wrong – and even more so when you’ve shelled out a lot of money for it.
Luckily, there are a few simple ways that you can troubleshoot faults in grape wine, so that you can identify the problem and (hopefully) avoid it in future.
Corked wine
If your wine smells like a musty old cellar, wet dog or damp cardboard, then it’s likely that it is corked. This is caused by a compound called TCA (trichloroanisole) which can contaminate corks during the production process. It’s not harmful to drink, but it will spoil the wine’s flavour and aroma.
There’s not much that you can do to rescue a corked wine, but it’s worth trying decanting it into a clean glass or container. This might help to remove some of the offending TCA molecules and make the wine more palatable.
Oxidised wine
Wine that has been exposed to oxygen will start to turn brown and taste flat, citrusy or even vinegary. This is because the chemical reactions that occur when wine is exposed to air cause it to break down and spoil.
If you think your wine might be oxidised, it’s worth giving it a quick taste test before pouring it all away. Sometimes, particularly with younger wines, a small amount of oxidation can actually improve the flavour.
If you do decide to pour it down the sink, don’t forget to add a splash of vinegar to the mix. This will help to neutralise the wine’s acidity and stop it from damaging your pipes.
Stewed wine
Wine that tastes cooked or stewed is usually the result of extended exposure to heat. This can happen if the wine is stored in a hot place (like a sunny windowsill or car boot) or if it’s served in a glass that’s been warmed up in hot water.
If you think your wine might be stewed, the best thing to do is pop it in the fridge for half an hour or so. This will help to restore some of the fresh, fruity flavours that have been cooked out by the heat.
If your wine is still tasting a bit stewed after chilling, you could try adding a splash of soda water or white grape juice. This will help to freshen up the flavour and make the wine more drinkable.
Bitter wine
Wine that tastes overly bitter or astringent is usually the result of high levels of tannins. Tannins are a natural compound found in grape skins and seeds, and they can make wine taste dry, harsh and bitter.
If your wine is too tannic, the best thing to do is to let it breathe. Decanting it into a glass or jug will help to soften the tannins and make the wine more enjoyable.
If you don’t have time to wait for the wine to breathe, you could try adding a splash of water or soda water. This will help to dilute the tannins and make the wine more palatable.
Sour wine
Wine that tastes sour or vinegary is usually the result of an error during the winemaking process. If the wine has been stored in hot or humid conditions, it can start to spoil and develop a vinegar flavour.
If your wine tastes sour, the best thing to do is to return it to the merchant or producer. They should be able to replace it or give you a refund, as the wine is not fit for consumption.
It’s also worth taking some basic steps to avoid storing your wine in conditions that are too hot or humid. Heat and humidity can both cause wine to spoil, so it’s best to keep your wine in a cool, dark place.
Buying wine online? Check the seller’s returns policy before you buy, just in case the wine is faulty.
Frozen wine
Wine that has been stored in a freezer will taste bland and watery, as the cold temperature has suppressed the wine’s natural flavours and aromas.
If you’ve accidentally frozen your wine, the best thing to do is to let it thaw out slowly in the fridge. This will help to preserve as much of the flavour as possible.
Once the wine has thawed, it’s worth giving it a quick taste test to see if it’s still drinkable. If it’s too bland or watery, you might want to consider using it for cooking instead.
Conclusion
There are a few simple ways that you can troubleshoot faults in grape wine. If your wine is corked, oxidised, stewed or otherwise off, the best thing to do is to identify the problem and take steps to avoid it in future.
If you think your wine might be faulty, it’s always worth giving it a quick taste test before pouring it all away. Sometimes, particularly with younger wines, a small amount of oxidation or stewing can actually improve the flavour.
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