Preservation of wines with extended skin contact differs from other wines in several key ways:
What is skin contact?
Skin contact, also known as maceration, is the process of allowing grape skins to remain in contact with the grape juice during fermentation. This technique is commonly used in making white, orange, and rosé wines, where the color, flavor, and tannins are extracted from the grape skins.
Extended skin contact wines
- Extended skin contact wines are those that have had prolonged exposure to the grape skins during fermentation, typically ranging from a few days to several months.
- This technique is most commonly used in making orange wines, which are white wines made in a similar way to red wines, resulting in a more robust and tannic profile.
- Extended skin contact wines are known for their unique flavors, textures, and colors, making them stand out from other types of wines.
Key differences from other wines
- Color: Extended skin contact wines often have a deeper hue compared to other wines due to the prolonged contact with grape skins.
- Flavor profile: These wines tend to have more intense and complex flavors, with notes of dried fruits, nuts, and spices, compared to other wines.
- Tannins: Extended skin contact wines typically have higher levels of tannins, giving them a more astringent and structured mouthfeel.
- Texture: The extended skin contact process can result in wines with a fuller body and a richer texture, making them more suitable for aging.
- Aging potential: Due to their higher tannin content and structure, extended skin contact wines have the potential to age well over time, developing more nuanced flavors and aromas.
Benefits of extended skin contact
The preservation of wines with extended skin contact offers several benefits that set them apart from other wines:
- Unique flavors: Extended skin contact allows for greater extraction of flavors and aromas from the grape skins, resulting in wines with distinctive and complex profiles.
- Textural richness: The tannins and phenolic compounds extracted from the grape skins during maceration contribute to a fuller body and a more velvety texture in the finished wine.
- Color stability: The prolonged contact with grape skins enhances the color stability of the wine, resulting in deeper and more vibrant hues that can withstand aging.
- Aging potential: Extended skin contact wines are often prized for their ability to age gracefully, developing new layers of complexity and character over time.
Comparisons with other winemaking techniques
- Extended skin contact vs. traditional white winemaking: While traditional white winemaking involves pressing grapes and separating the juice from the skins before fermentation, extended skin contact wines keep the skins in contact with the juice, resulting in a more robust and tannic profile.
- Extended skin contact vs. red winemaking: Extended skin contact wines share some similarities with red wines in terms of tannin levels and color intensity, but they are made from white grape varieties and have a unique flavor profile that sets them apart.
Notable regions and producers
- Italy: Italy is famous for its production of orange wines, particularly in regions like Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Sicily, where winemakers have embraced the extended skin contact technique.
- Georgia: The birthplace of orange wines, Georgia has a long tradition of making wines with extended skin contact in qvevri (large clay vessels buried underground).
- Slovenia: Slovenian winemakers are also known for their production of orange wines, with many embracing the natural and minimal intervention approach to winemaking.
Challenges and considerations
While there are many benefits to preserving wines with extended skin contact, there are also some challenges and considerations to keep in mind:
- Risk of oxidation: Extended skin contact can increase the risk of oxidation in wines, especially if proper precautions are not taken during the winemaking process.
- Balance of flavors: It can be challenging to achieve a balance of flavors and tannins in extended skin contact wines, as the extraction process can vary depending on grape variety and winemaking techniques.
- Educating consumers: Orange wines and other extended skin contact wines are still relatively niche products, so educating consumers about their unique characteristics and flavors is essential for wider acceptance and appreciation.