Red Wine Making at Vitivinicola Santoro 2010 part 2
Winery tanks, Marco gesticulating!
Once the fermentation begins it is important to monitor daily or sometimes twice daily the temperature along with the specific gravity of the must as the sugars in the grape juice are converted to alcohol and carbon dioxide by the yeasts. There are a number of different conversion protocols used around the world to convert the specific gravity into the potential alcohol (at the beginning) or remaining alcohol available at any point in the fermentation process. In Italy it is known as BABO. Every morning I help Marco check the tanks for any bad odours that may indicate any number of impending problems, such as oxidation, or sticking ferments.
The release of carbon dioxide during the fermentation causes the grape skins to be lifted to the surface of the tank creating a cap. This must be “broken” and recirculated by pumping over the wine must racked from the bottom of the tank onto the surface of the cap. It is important to do this to ensure that all the tannins, sugars and other constituents of the skins and pulp are extracted giving the typical varietal character of whichever grape type is being fermented. It is also important to ensure full extraction of the colour. Red wines also benefit from a degree of oxidation at this stage and the pumping over achieves this at the same time. A third benefit is that the must at the bottom of the tank
The Vineyard and Marco's house
tends to be cooler than at the top so this can also achieve a cooling of up to 6C. Red wines are best fermented at between 20-28C, Marco preferring a cooler slower ferment which draws the flavours out more gently.
The tanks at this point contain Primitivo (single varietal), Sussumanielo (single varietal), Montepulciano (single varietal) and Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot fermented together.
Villa Puglia Recommended
Villa Puglia is featured in March 2012 CN Traveller in its article on the best Villas on the Adriatic
Villa Santoro is featured in Lonely Planet's "Guide to Puglia and Basilicata"
Sawday's "Special Places to stay in Italy"Puglia Location
Puglia is the recently rediscovered heel of Italy, the perfect destination for those who love the real Italy, its people, landscapes, wines and food.
Frequent direct flights from Great Britain, Europe and the US.
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