The Art of Wine Making: Selecting the Right Temperature for Fermentation

Photo by Artur Solarz on Unsplash

Temperature is a critical factor in wine fermentation, directly affecting the rate of fermentation, the development of aromas and flavors, and the survival of the fermentation yeast.

Winemakers make intentional, stylistic choices regarding fermentation temperature to shape the wine’s final character, including its affect on:

Yeast Activity

  • Yeast is responsible for converting sugars in grape juice into alcohol

    • Too low a temperature can slow or stall fermentation

    • Too high of a temperature can kill the yeast or lead to off-flavors

Flavor and Aroma Profile

  • Lower fermentation temperatures help preserve delicate aromatic compounds, especially important for white wines and aromatic varietals like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc

  • Higher temperatures can enhance color and tannin extraction, and are useful in red wine production

Fermentation Interactions

  • Cooler temperatures result in slower, longer fermentations which can be desirable

  • Warmer temperatures can result in faster fermentations, which can risk volatile acidity or stuck fermentation if not properly controlled

Typical Wine Fermentation Temperature Ranges

  • White Wines: 12–18°C (54–64°F) — Preserves fruity aromas, crisp character

  • Red Wines: 20–30°C (68–86°F) — Enhances color/tannin extraction

  • Sparkling Wines: 10–15°C (50–59°F) — Very cool to retain freshness and bubbles

Great winemakers blend intuition, tradition, and technical knowledge. And, temperature control is one of the key tools they use to express their unique signature in their wine. Cheers!

The Art of Wine Making: Choosing the Right Vessel for Wine Fermentation

A large stainless steel tank used for fermentation

Photo by Meg von Haartman on Unsplash

Another aspect of the art of wine making involves choosing the type of vessel used for fermentation. Fermentation vessels are available in several materials with each one allowing the wine maker to influence their wine's flavor, texture, and overall style.

Here's an quick overview of the main types for fermentation vessels and their pros and cons:

1. Stainless Steel Tanks

Stainless steel tanks are widely used in winemaking

  • Pros:

    • They are made of an inert material — it doesn't impart any flavor to the wine

    • These tanks are easy to clean and sanitize

    • It allows wine makers to conduct fermentation at highly controlled temperatures

  • Cons:

    • While being a “pro,” the fact that it does not impart flavor can also be a negative

    • Doesn’t allow for oxygen to interact with the fermenting wine, resulting in wines that can be sharper with harsher tannin

    • Very costly

  • Uses: Crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc, rosés, and some lighter-bodied reds

2. Oak Barrels or Vats

Used for traditional or premium red wines and some white wines

  • Pros:

    • New oak can add significant flavors (vanilla, spice, toast)

    • The porous nature of oak allows “micro-oxygenation” that can soften tannin softening and add to a wine’s complexity

  • Cons:

    • Harder to clean

    • Oak barrels are expensive, especially new barrels

  • Used for: Chardonnay and Fumé Blanc as well as for most red wines

3. Concrete Tanks or “Eggs”

Often used for artisan and natural winemaking

  • Pros:

    • Provides good temperature control during fermentation

    • Allows for micro-oxygenation without imparting significant flavor

    • Egg-shaped vessels promote convection currents — helps keep the lees in suspension

    • Can enhance a wine’s texture and minerality

  • Used for: Both reds and whites

4. Clay Amphorae (or Terracotta Jars)

This type of vessel has been used in wine making for thousands of years

  • Pros:

    • Allows for light oxygen exchange

    • Can retain the grape’s flavors and/or impart subtle earthy characteristics

  • Cons:

    • These vessels are fragile and porous (some are lined with beeswax)

  • Used for: Natural wines, often whites and light reds

So, the choice of fermentation vessel is indeed a factor in a wine maker’s artistic expression of their final product. Cheers!

Behind the Cork™ - Domaine Bousquet Gaia Pinot Noir Rose

2024 Domaine Bousquet Gaia Pinot Noir Rosé ($20)

Gaia, the Greek goddess of the Earth, has been the Bousquet family’s inspiration since founding the winery in 1997. According to Ancient Greek mythology, Gaia (Guy-uh) was one of the primordial deities, emerging fully formed from Chaos to become the divine personification of Earth and the mother of all life. Gaia labels depict the goddess in a festive headdress of colorful fruits and flowers.

Gaia wines are crafted with French winemaking sensibility and made from 100% organic fruit grown at a cool 4000 foot altitude.

This Gaia Pinot Noir Rosé was produced from 100% organic Pinot Noir grapes that were hand harvested. The full clusters were pressed followed by a five-day cold maceration. It was then fermented for 30 days.

Gaia Rosé is a pale copper in color with delicate aromas of red fruit (cherry & strawberry) and floral notes. On the palate, this light-bodied rosé has subtle notes of Maraschino cherry and strawberry with good acidity. It finishes soft and balanced with just a hint of sweet fruit. [ABV: 12%, TA: 5.47 g/L, pH: 3.31, Residual Sugar: 1.08 g/L]

Gaia Rosé from Domaine Bousquet is light, easy to drink and very affordable making it a great fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review.

Media Sample Provided by Domaine Bousquet