Oct 18, 20232 min read

Act 5: Pressing - Extraction of the Wine

Pressing is a crucial step in the production of red wine which occurs after fermentation. It is at this point that the grape skins and seeds are pressed to extract the last drops of precious liquid. The wine thus obtained is called "press wine" and can be used to complete the main vintage. Let’s dive into the delicate art of pressing.

The End of Fermentation

After days, even weeks, of fermentation, the must gave birth to wine. The yeasts have accomplished their mission, transforming the sugars into alcohol.

The Transfer to the Press

In the gentle murmur of the cellar, the press remains, a silent guardian of time and patience, awaiting the next intoxicating dance between ripe fruit and expert hands.

The wine is transferred from the vat to the press. This is where the pressing operation takes place. The press exerts delicate pressure on the solid residues (skins and seeds) to extract the last drops of liquid.

Press Wine

The liquid obtained from pressing is called "press wine". It is often richer in tannins and substance than the wine from the first extraction. The winemaker can choose to incorporate it into the main vintage to provide structure and complexity.

Different Pressing Levels

The winemaker can choose to carry out several pressings at different pressure levels. The first pressings produce a wine more concentrated in aromas and tannins. The following pressings give a less concentrated liquid, but which can contribute to the general balance of the vintage.

Gentle Pressing

The winemaker must exert delicate pressure to avoid extracting too aggressive tannins. Too intense pressing can result in an astringent and unbalanced wine.

The Winemaker’s Precision

Pressing is a delicate step that requires great attention from the winemaker. He must closely monitor the process to obtain the best balance between the quantity of juice extracted and the quality of the wine.

The Integration of Press Wine

Seen from above, the press sits enthroned, a symphony of steel and wood ready to give birth to the golden elixir. The grape, the fruit of the vine ripened under the gentle kiss of the sun, impatiently awaits its imminent transformation. The grains, still full of the life of the hillsides, form an ephemeral treasure, destined to become the pulsing heart of an exceptional wine.

After pressing, the press wine is often kept separately from the rest of the vintage. The winemaker will then decide whether to incorporate it into the final blend to add an extra dimension to the wine.

Pressing is an act that requires both strength and subtlety. This is where the winemaker extracts the last pearls of juice from the solid residue, giving rise to an essential element of the final vintage. Each pressing is a delicate decision, one more step in the creation of an exceptional wine. It is the culmination of the first phase of winemaking, preparing the wine for its future aging and refining.