Secondary fermentation (wine)

In red wine production, the maceration process was traditionally done in large vats where the fermentation process would begin (in the picture this is noted by the presence of carbon dioxide bubbles). Secondary fermentation would take place when the wine is transferred to a second container such as a carboy or oak barrel.

Secondary fermentation is a process commonly associated with winemaking,[1] which entails a second period of fermentation in a different vessel than the one used to start the fermentation process. An example of this would be starting fermentation in a carboy or stainless steel tank and then moving it over to oak barrels. Rather than being a separate, second fermentation, this is most often one single fermentation period that is conducted in multiple vessels. However, the term does also apply to procedures that could be described as a second and distinct fermentation period.[1]

  1. ^ a b J. Robinson (ed) "The Oxford Companion to Wine" Third Edition pg 618 Oxford University Press 2006 ISBN 0-19-860990-6