How Is White Wine Made?

Grapes intended for white wine need very careful handling. The best quality wines are made from the light first pressing. Harsher, prolonged pressing releases stronger, less delicate flavours from the pulp. The first fermentation is usually carried out in stainless steel tanks that are easy to sterilize. The second, known as malolactic fermentation, which reduces the harsh acidity of the wines can be done in new oak barrels. New oak gives the vanilla and oaky notes in the flavours of many white wines, particularly Chardonnay. Cheaper blended products might have this flavour added by means of oak chips.The maturing process is typically only around six months for white wines although some varieties might be left for longer. Bottling must be done in extremely clean conditions to avoid contamination by bacteria. This would ruin the flavour. Sulphur dioxide is also usually added at this stage. This works as an anti-oxidant.