Tourists might be amazed to learn that Italy produces over a quarter of the world’s wine! Its ideal geographical layout of sun kissed hills and a warm all year climate means that over sixty percent of Italian vineyards are located on hillsides. Tuscany is most famous for its red wines and has a great reputation of wine production as seven DOCG and thirty five DOC wines are produced here. Read our fascinating article on Italian wine classification awards to learn more about the high standards required to earn these prestigious awards.
The best way to begin harvesting grapes is by hand, gently so that the skin isn't broken and exposed to oxygen. They are quickly brought to be washed and have any stems or leaves removed.
The first process is called the pressing stage and the objective is to gently press the grapes so that the juices can start to flow and mix with the yeast naturally found in the grape skins. This marks the beginning of the fermentation process.
The best way to begin harvesting grapes is by hand, gently so that the skin isn't broken and exposed to oxygen. They are quickly brought to be washed and have any stems or leaves removed.
The first process is called the pressing stage and the objective is to gently press the grapes so that the juices can start to flow and mix with the yeast naturally found in the grape skins. This marks the beginning of the fermentation process.
This is the point where red and white wines go their separate ways to be produced. Red wine is made using the grapes skins to provide the rich deep flavours and the tannin colour. White wine is made without the skins from this stage forward. Grape juices is almost clear in colour and the final white wine colour ranges from deep yellow to a pale almost clear liquid.
Red wine is left to ferment in stainless steel tanks, large vats or oak barrels, still soaking with the skins. Delicious aromas fill the air as the vat is gently heated to release a full bodied flavour. White wine is also made in stainless steel tanks but with much lower heating and oxygen levels are strictly monitored.
Both wine types are then separated from grape solids like seeds and skins by a method called pressing. A press lowers on the mixture and taps are opened to let the liquid flow out. Then a process called ‘malolactic fermentation’ happens when lactic acid bacteria is added to convert malic acids in lactic acid within the fermenting wine to soften the taste and make it more palatable. Most red wines and some white wines go through that process.
Red wine is left to ferment in stainless steel tanks, large vats or oak barrels, still soaking with the skins. Delicious aromas fill the air as the vat is gently heated to release a full bodied flavour. White wine is also made in stainless steel tanks but with much lower heating and oxygen levels are strictly monitored.
Both wine types are then separated from grape solids like seeds and skins by a method called pressing. A press lowers on the mixture and taps are opened to let the liquid flow out. Then a process called ‘malolactic fermentation’ happens when lactic acid bacteria is added to convert malic acids in lactic acid within the fermenting wine to soften the taste and make it more palatable. Most red wines and some white wines go through that process.
The next stage of the wine making process is maturation. Both red and white wines are often stored in oak barrels. These offer a secure protection against damaging oxygen levels; it smoothes the tannins in red wine and increase flavour complexity. Racking is a process sometimes repeated at this stage which involves moving the juice from barrel to barrel to separate any remaining sediment.
Filtering is used, especially on white wines after this stage to remove any final sediment or particles, leaving it looking bright and clear. For wines that are produced that end up being slightly too acidic or sweet, they are mixed in a process called blending to help balance PH, tannin content and flavours.
Finally, the wine is bottled after being slowly filled up with machines and topped with nitrogen or carbon dioxide to keep oxygen out.
They are then capped with a cork or screw cap and labels are attached before distribution. Some of the best wines are sent to a cool dry storage area for further maturation before distribution.
Enjoy touring around some of Tuscany’s best wine producing regions during your next holiday here and perhaps stay a few days in a holiday villa in Chianti, Suvereto, Montalcino or Val di Cornia. Remember that Easy Reserve offers a Free Wine Tasting Experience to anyone book a tuscany villa rental through its website. Experience the exquisite flavours of Vino Novello on your travels which is a new type of wine made using a unique blend of grapes and specific fermentation.
A visit to any of Tuscany’s vineyards that are open for touring around would be an excellent choice that will thoroughly enrich your tourist experience! Read through our related wine articles to gain some inspiration before your next adventurous vacation here!
Filtering is used, especially on white wines after this stage to remove any final sediment or particles, leaving it looking bright and clear. For wines that are produced that end up being slightly too acidic or sweet, they are mixed in a process called blending to help balance PH, tannin content and flavours.
Finally, the wine is bottled after being slowly filled up with machines and topped with nitrogen or carbon dioxide to keep oxygen out.
They are then capped with a cork or screw cap and labels are attached before distribution. Some of the best wines are sent to a cool dry storage area for further maturation before distribution.
Enjoy touring around some of Tuscany’s best wine producing regions during your next holiday here and perhaps stay a few days in a holiday villa in Chianti, Suvereto, Montalcino or Val di Cornia. Remember that Easy Reserve offers a Free Wine Tasting Experience to anyone book a tuscany villa rental through its website. Experience the exquisite flavours of Vino Novello on your travels which is a new type of wine made using a unique blend of grapes and specific fermentation.
A visit to any of Tuscany’s vineyards that are open for touring around would be an excellent choice that will thoroughly enrich your tourist experience! Read through our related wine articles to gain some inspiration before your next adventurous vacation here!
Photo credits
picture 1: Taryn / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 2: Eleassar / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 3: André Karwath / CC BY-SA 2.5
picture 1: Taryn / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 2: Eleassar / CC BY-SA 2.0;
picture 3: André Karwath / CC BY-SA 2.5
