For ages, people have enjoyed wine for a number of reasons. Many drink it just because they like the taste, but by no means is this the exclusive reason why the drink is so popular. In fact, it's been used in important religious ceremonies for thousands of years, and an entire culture has been built up around the beverage that has shaped thousands of lives across the world. Ultimately, those who love wine tend to take the drink very seriously and eventually end up wanting to make their own. If this describes you, don't be daunted; with this article, wine making is within your grasp!
In general, the art of wine making can be broken down into five parts. While it's certainly possible to write a whole textbook on the process, this should be more than enough to get you started. Just be sure that you comprehend the essence of each step, and common sense will take you a long way.
All wine starts from a base ingredient, usually grapes and other flavoring agents. When you hear wine lovers talk about "hints of cherry" and such in reference to their favorite wines, it usually means that such elements were used in this step. What you want to do is reduce your ingredients to their very essence; grapes become grape juice, vanilla becomes vanilla extract, and so on. Just focus on extracting your flavors into a base liquid primarily made of grape juice.
When your extract is ready, you're all set up to move on to fermenting. With a simple blend of yeast and other active agents, you can begin fermenting in just a covered pot. Within a few days, you should see activity, and after ten days, real progress.
After about ten days, you should have a container full of both liquid and pulp. This step is all about straining off the liquid and leaving the pulp behind (though you'll want to squeeze it or compress it to make sure all the liquid leaves it). Now, using an airtight container, continue fermentation for a few more weeks.
Eventually, the yeast will have worked until the alcoholic content of the mixture is so high that it simply can't live anymore, usually around twelve to fourteen percent. When this happens, the wine will take on a clear look, like something you'd buy at the store. So, what comes next? You guessed it: bottling and corking! After a year for reds or half a year for whites, you'll be ready for your first taste.
Now, you've got the basics of wine making down and you should be able to whip up a batch of your own special vino with ease. As time goes on, you'll likely encounter some obstacles and begin to experiment for different results. As you grow, remember that these four steps were the humble beginning from which your vineyard has flourished! - 32201
In general, the art of wine making can be broken down into five parts. While it's certainly possible to write a whole textbook on the process, this should be more than enough to get you started. Just be sure that you comprehend the essence of each step, and common sense will take you a long way.
All wine starts from a base ingredient, usually grapes and other flavoring agents. When you hear wine lovers talk about "hints of cherry" and such in reference to their favorite wines, it usually means that such elements were used in this step. What you want to do is reduce your ingredients to their very essence; grapes become grape juice, vanilla becomes vanilla extract, and so on. Just focus on extracting your flavors into a base liquid primarily made of grape juice.
When your extract is ready, you're all set up to move on to fermenting. With a simple blend of yeast and other active agents, you can begin fermenting in just a covered pot. Within a few days, you should see activity, and after ten days, real progress.
After about ten days, you should have a container full of both liquid and pulp. This step is all about straining off the liquid and leaving the pulp behind (though you'll want to squeeze it or compress it to make sure all the liquid leaves it). Now, using an airtight container, continue fermentation for a few more weeks.
Eventually, the yeast will have worked until the alcoholic content of the mixture is so high that it simply can't live anymore, usually around twelve to fourteen percent. When this happens, the wine will take on a clear look, like something you'd buy at the store. So, what comes next? You guessed it: bottling and corking! After a year for reds or half a year for whites, you'll be ready for your first taste.
Now, you've got the basics of wine making down and you should be able to whip up a batch of your own special vino with ease. As time goes on, you'll likely encounter some obstacles and begin to experiment for different results. As you grow, remember that these four steps were the humble beginning from which your vineyard has flourished! - 32201
About the Author:
Wine making is one of those true art forms that can change the way you look at the world and the people in it. To get started, you will need either general wine making equipment or home wine making equipment. For all the free information you'll need, please visit our website.
