of our artisans
Step 1: Grape harvest
Winemaking begins with the grape harvest, a crucial stage where timing is essential. The grapes must be picked at their optimal point of ripeness, determined by the balance between sugar, acidity, and aromas. This ripeness depends on the grape variety, the terroir, and the climatic conditions of the year.
Step 2: Destemming and crushing
After the harvest, the grapes are transported to the winery where they go through a destemmer-crusher. This machine separates the berries from the stems and gently crushes them to release the juice. For certain wines, whole clusters are kept to influence the style of the wine.
Step 3: Pressing
After fermentation, the wine is separated from the solids. The grapes are gently pressed to extract the free-run wine and the press wine, the latter having more tannins and structure. The pressing choice influences the wine’s style and texture.
Step 4: Alcoholic fermentation
The juice, skins, and sometimes seeds are placed in tanks for alcoholic fermentation. Natural or cultured yeasts convert the grape sugar into alcohol and CO2. This stage defines the character of the wine: temperature, duration, and punch-downs influence the aromas, color, and structure.
Step 5: Malolactic fermentation
For red wines and some whites, malolactic fermentation follows. This biological transformation converts malic acid into lactic acid, softening the wine and adding complexity. It is crucial for the wine’s balance and stability.
Step 6: Aging
Aging is the stage where the wine matures in barrels, tanks, or bottles. This period varies depending on the type of wine and can last from several months to several years. Aging refines the aromas, integrates the tannins, and develops complexity.
Step 7: Clarification and Bottling
Finally, the wine is clarified to remove suspended particles and then stabilized to prevent any spoilage. It is then bottled, where it can continue to evolve. Bottling is the final step, sealing the winemaker’s work and beginning the wine’s journey to the consumer.
facilities
This year, the winery will benefit from new technical installations and top-quality equipment, maximizing the production of wines with great amplitude and ensuring the specific excellence of each grape variety. Temperature control and a storage cellar will optimize the vinification of our wines. Our consulting oenologists bring their experience and vision for the wines of tomorrow.
