Cryoextraction is a winemaking process that involves freezing ripe grapes to produce ice wine with a higher concentration of sweetness and flavor. This method allows for a good quality wine to be produced even if the crop is inconsistent in quality. Ice wine can be used as a dessert wine or for creating fruit juices and brunch and afternoon wine blends.
As a special means of preparing grapes for winemaking, cryoextraction makes the most of modern refrigeration to produce a very special class of wines. Here is some information on the actual cryoextraction process and how this procedure can make a big difference in the quality of the wine.
Used to create what is commonly called ice wine, cryoextraction is a controlled process that involves freezing grapes. The grapes are harvested and cleaned, then placed in a freezing unit and allowed to reach a temperature of twenty degrees Fahrenheit. Removing the still frozen grapes from the freezer, they are placed in a wine press. The chilled liquid flows out of the wine press, while the ice crystals usually remain in the press. This process is intended to produce the highest level of concentrated flavor in the liquid that is pressed from the grape.
It is important to note that the success of the cryoextraction process is based on the use of grapes that are ripe and ready for winemaking. Perfectly ripe grapes will have a higher sugar content than grapes that are yet to ripen; this means that truly ripe grapes will freeze more quickly than any grapes that are not properly ripened for winemaking. Juice from frozen grapes will have a higher concentration of sweetness and flavor.
Making ice wine this way is one way to save a grape crop that has been inconsistent in quality. Since cryoextraction works best on riper grapes, any specimens that are not fully frozen will never reach the press. This method of culling the inferior grapes allows for a good quality wine to be produced even if the vines do not produce consistently flavorful grapes. In short, cryoextraction is an invaluable tool for making sure there is some return on the investment in the grape even if the crop does not come up to usual standards.
Ice wine produced from the cryoextraction process is often used as tasty dessert wines, which go very well with light sweets or as a treat at the end of a meal. Because wines can be flavored with any kind of citrus flavor, ice wines are also great for creating fruit juices and brunch and afternoon wine blends. Their ice wines are also a nice touch for a bedtime glass, as well as being a good choice for unwinding impromptu guests.
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