For those passionate about wine, there’s an indescribable magic in creating wine through age-old techniques. This method creates a bridge to our ancestors, permitting us to appreciate the expertise and inventiveness required to craft this cherished beverage. In this article, I will take you through the steps of making wine using time-honored practices, peppered with personal stories and observations from my own experiences.
Gather Your Grapes
The first step in making wine the old-fashioned way is to gather your grapes. Look for vineyards or local farmers who grow grapes specifically for winemaking. I highly recommend getting involved in this process yourself, visiting the vineyards, and handpicking the grapes. There’s a certain joy and satisfaction in being part of the grape selection process.
Crushing and Destemming
Once you have your grapes, it’s time to start the winemaking process. Begin by crushing and destemming the grapes. This can be done using traditional methods, such as stomping on the grapes with your feet or using a wooden crusher and destemmer. The goal is to extract the juice while leaving behind the stems.
Fermentation
After crushing and destemming, it’s time for fermentation. Transfer the grape juice, also known as the must, to a fermentation vessel. In the old-fashioned way, this would be a large wooden barrel or a clay amphora. The natural yeast present on the grape skins will initiate fermentation, converting the sugars into alcohol.
During fermentation, pay close attention to the temperature and daily check the progress. Feel free to add your personal touch by gently stirring the must or even singing to it. This might sound silly, but some winemakers believe it adds a unique energy to the wine.
Pressing
Once the fermentation is complete, it’s time to press the wine. In the old-fashioned method, a wooden or stone press is used. Place the fermented must into the press and slowly apply pressure to extract the remaining liquid from the grape solids. This step requires patience and precision to avoid extracting any unwanted flavors or tannins.
Aging
After pressing, transfer the freshly pressed wine to oak barrels or glass demijohns for aging. This is where the true art of winemaking shines. The wine will develop complexity, depth, and character as it ages. In the old-fashioned way, the wine is often aged for several years, allowing it to reach its full potential.
Bottling and Enjoying
Finally, after the aging process, it’s time to bottle your wine. Use cork stoppers and seal each bottle carefully. This final step is a moment of pride and accomplishment. Your wine is now ready to be enjoyed. Invite friends and loved ones to join you for a tasting. Share stories about your winemaking journey, and savor the flavors and aromas that you’ve created with your own hands.
Conclusion
Making wine the old-fashioned way is a labor of love, a journey that connects us to our past and allows us to appreciate the craftsmanship involved in winemaking. By gathering grapes, crushing and destemming, fermenting, pressing, and aging the wine, we can create a truly personal and unique bottle of wine. So, I encourage you to embark on this winemaking adventure, adding your own personal touches and commentary along the way. Cheers!
