How is wine made? A Journey from the Vine to your Glass

Wine is much more than a beverage; it is the result of a meticulous, artisanal process that combines tradition, science, and passion. From the cultivation of the vine to the bottling, every step in winemaking is crucial to creating that magical liquid we love to enjoy. In this article, we’ll take you on a journey to discover how wine is made, from the vineyard to your glass. And, of course, we invite you to explore our selection of wines in the online store Vinos de Alicante. Cheers!

1. Vineyard Cultivation: The First Step Toward Wine

It all begins in the vineyard. The vine, a resilient and generous plant, is the protagonist of this story. For grapes to reach their full potential, every detail during cultivation must be carefully managed:

• Choosing the land: Soil and climate are fundamental. Each grape variety has specific preferences. For example, Monastrell thrives in hot, dry climates like those in Alicante.
• Pruning and care: During winter, vines are pruned to control growth and ensure balanced production. In spring, leaves sprout, followed by clusters of grapes.
• Ripening: Throughout the summer, the grapes ripen, accumulating sugars and developing their characteristic aromas and flavors.

The timing of the harvest is critical. Winemakers decide when to pick the grapes based on their ripeness, measured by the balance between sugar, acidity, and tannins.

2. The Harvest: Reaping the Fruits of Labor

The harvest is one of the most exciting moments in winemaking. Depending on the type of wine being produced, grapes are picked either by hand or by machine:

• Manual harvest: More meticulous, it’s used for high-end wines and allows for the selection of the best clusters.
• Mechanical harvest: Faster and used for large vineyards.

Once harvested, the grapes are quickly transported to the winery to prevent spoilage. Time is of the essence!

3. Destemming and Crushing: Preparing the Grapes

At the winery, the grapes undergo two key processes before fermentation:

• Destemming: The grapes are separated from the stems (the woody structure of the cluster). This is important because stems can impart unwanted bitter flavors.
• Crushing: The grapes are gently pressed to release the must (grape juice). For red wines, the skins are left in contact with the must, as they provide color and tannins.

4. Fermentation: Where the Magic Happens

Fermentation is the process in which the sugars in the must are transformed into alcohol, thanks to the action of yeast. This step is crucial and can last between one and three weeks, depending on the type of wine being produced:

• Alcoholic fermentation: Yeasts, whether natural or added, consume the sugars and produce alcohol and carbon dioxide. For red wines, the skins remain in contact with the must during this process, known as maceration.
• Temperature control: Temperature is key. White wines are fermented at lower temperatures (12-18°C) to preserve fresh aromas, while red wines are fermented at higher temperatures (25-30°C) to extract color and tannins.

5. Pressing: Separating the Must

Once fermentation is complete, the liquid is separated from the solids (skins, seeds, etc.). This process is called pressing:

• Red wines: The liquid obtained without pressing is called "free-run wine" and is of the highest quality. Subsequent pressing produces more robust wines.
• White and rosé wines: Pressing occurs before fermentation to prevent the skins from adding color.

6. Aging: Adding Complexity

Not all wines go through this stage, but for those that do, aging is essential. It involves maturing the wine in oak barrels, which adds aromas and flavors like vanilla, spices, or toast. Aging can last from a few months to several years, depending on the desired style of wine.

7. Blending: Creating Harmony

In some cases, especially for blended wines, wines from different varieties, barrels, or plots are mixed to create a balanced and complex final product. This process requires experience and a refined palate.

8. Bottling: The Final Touch

Once the wine is ready, it is filtered to remove impurities and bottled. Some wines, particularly aged reds, can continue to evolve in the bottle for years, developing even more complex aromas and flavors.

9. Labeling: Presentation Matters

The final step before the wine reaches your hands is labeling. Labels are not just about aesthetics; they also provide important information, such as the denomination of origin, vintage, or grape variety.

10. Time to Enjoy!

And so, after a long and careful process, the wine is ready to be enjoyed. Each glass is the result of months, or even years, of hard work and dedication. That’s why, when you toast with a good wine, you’re not just celebrating its flavor, but also the story and effort behind it.

Discover the wines we have for you in our online wine shop

If after reading this article you've got the itch to try a good wine, you're in luck. In our online wine shop, you will find a selection of wines made with passion and dedication, following the steps we have told you about. From intense and structured reds to fresh and aromatic whites, our shop is the perfect place to discover the best Spanish wines.

Moreover, in Vinos de Alicante you will not only find wines, but also advice and recommendations in our wine blog to get the most out of each bottle. Our aim is to bring you the best wines of the region, so you can enjoy the richness and diversity of the Spanish vineyards from the comfort of your home.