Making artisan wine is an intricate process that requires passion, skill, and attention to detail. At our family-owned South Australian winery, we take pride in crafting wines that truly reflect the essence of our vineyard. Each step of the wine crafting process is carefully managed to ensure that every bottle captures the unique characteristics of our grapes and the land they come from.
The journey begins with selecting and harvesting the perfect grapes. This stage is crucial as the quality of our wine depends on the quality of the fruit. We handpick our grapes at their peak ripeness, ensuring that only the best ones make it to the next stage of winemaking. This hands-on approach allows us to maintain high standards and create wines with exceptional flavour and aroma.
Fermentation is where the magic starts to happen. We use a variety of techniques and carefully selected yeasts to transform the grape juice into wine. Depending on the type of wine we are making, different methods may be employed to bring out specific characteristics. Our winemakers closely monitor this process to ensure that the wine develops the desired balance and complexity. This attention to detail is what sets our artisan wines apart from mass-produced varieties.
From there, the wine is aged in carefully chosen barrels to enhance its flavours and add depth. The ageing process is crucial in developing the wine’s final profile. After ageing, the wine is bottled and labelled, ready to be shared with wine lovers everywhere. Our commitment to quality and tradition ensures that each bottle of wine embodies the care and expertise that went into making it.
Selecting and Harvesting the Grapes
Selecting and harvesting the grapes is a vital step in the artisan winemaking process. We carefully monitor our vineyards throughout the growing season, paying close attention to the development of the grapes. This ensures that we pick the fruit at the perfect moment, when they have reached optimal ripeness. Handpicking allows us to gently harvest each grape bunch, reducing damage and preserving their quality.
Different grape varieties ripen at different times, so our team is vigilant in checking sugar levels, acidity, and flavour development. This hands-on approach ensures that each grape is perfect for winemaking. By selecting the best grapes, we lay the foundation for a high-quality wine. Our commitment to this careful selection is what makes our wines stand out.
Fermentation Techniques and Yeast Management
Fermentation is where the grape juice begins its transformation into wine. The process starts by crushing the grapes to release their juice, which is then placed in fermentation tanks. We use a variety of fermentation techniques to create different styles of wine. Some methods involve fermenting the juice with the grape skins to extract more colour and tannins, while others focus on highlighting the juice's purity.
Yeast plays a crucial role in fermentation by converting sugars in the juice into alcohol. We select specific yeast strains to bring out desired flavours and aromas in the wine. Whether we use wild yeasts from the vineyard or cultured yeasts selected for their properties, the process is closely monitored. Temperature control is also essential during fermentation, as it influences the speed and quality of fermentation. Our goal is to create a balanced and complex wine that reflects our vineyard's unique character.
Ageing and Barrel Selection
After fermentation, the wine begins its ageing process, which is crucial for developing its final character and complexity. We use a variety of barrels to age our wines, each contributing different flavours and textures. Oak barrels are most commonly used, as they impart rich, complex notes of vanilla, spice, and toast. The type of oak, whether French or American, also influences the wine’s taste.
Selecting the right barrel is a meticulous process. We carefully choose barrels based on the type of wine we are ageing and the desired flavour profile. Some wines benefit from new oak barrels, which impart more intense flavours, while others are better suited to older barrels for a more subtle influence. The ageing period can range from several months to a few years, depending on the wine. During this time, we regularly sample the wine to monitor its development and decide the optimal time for bottling.
Bottling and Labelling Process
Once the wine has aged to perfection, it is time for bottling and labelling. The bottling process begins with filtering the wine to remove any remaining sediments, ensuring clarity and stability. We use high-quality glass bottles, which preserve the wine’s integrity and protect it from light and air.
The labelling process is equally important, as it represents the final touch before the wine reaches you. Our labels are carefully designed to reflect the wine’s unique character and the story behind it. Each bottle is sealed with a cork or screw cap, depending on the type of wine and its intended ageing. Proper sealing is vital to maintain the wine's quality and longevity.
Conclusion
Understanding the artisan wine crafting process gives you a deeper appreciation for the care and dedication that goes into every bottle. From selecting the perfect grapes to the careful choices made during ageing and bottling, each step is essential in creating wines that truly capture the essence of our vineyard. We are committed to preserving this tradition and sharing our passion for winemaking with you.
We invite you to experience our artisan wines for yourself. Visit Millon Wines to explore our selection of wine gift boxes in Australia and learn more about the story behind each of them. Celebrate with us the art of winemaking and savour the unique flavours crafted with love and expertise. We look forward to welcoming you to our winery and sharing our wines with you.