The Science Behind Wine

Did you know there is a lot of science behind the winemaking process? I touch on what I have learned and go over terms that were foreign to me before I started working a wine harvest. Sampling grapes is an important part of the process and harvesting the grapes at the perfect time is where the science comes in to help us.  I dive into how these different measurements affect the wine and the PH of the wine. Also, the importance and difference between alcoholic fermentation and malolactic fermentation. It is super important to make sure the yeasts in the juice are healthy and have enough nutrients to be healthy and strong during fermentation.  Everything is explained in the simplest way possible and towards the end of the episode I open up a 2021 Malbec from Domaine Bousquet.   You don't want to miss this one!       2:50 - Science components 3:40 - Sampling grapes 5:22 - Why sampling the grapes is important 7:45 - Breaking down important terms 8:00 - What we measure to harvest grapes 8:55 - What is yield? 9:45 - Brix measurement 10:45 - Measuring the PH of wine 11:45 - TA measurement (total acidity) 12:30 - YAN measurement (yeast assimilable nitrogen) 12:45 - MA measurement (malic acid) 13:35 - Preferred PH range for winemakers 15:35 - Fermentation: two types 15:58 - Alcoholic fermentation 16:18 - Malolactic fermentation 17:05 - Feeding the yeasts for fermentation 18:18 - Timing is everything in winemaking 18:45 - Magical juice (wine) is created once the malolactic fermentation finishes 20:05 - Describe today's wine for tasting 22:30 - Briefly explain barrels 22:33 - Gluten free wine 24:24 - Wine tasting       Today's wine: Domaine Bousquet 2021 Malbec  https://domainebousquet.com/en/wine/premium-malbec/      Connect with me on IG @sipandgrowpodcast   Get your FREE Wine Aroma Wheel at https://stan.store/nicoledipasquale    Check out my Italian Wine Guide at https://stan.store/nicoledipasquale