What Extended Maceration

What exactly is extended maceration? Extended maceration is when seeds and skins of grapes are left in contact with juice or wine for a longer period of time. The goal of extended maceration is to increase color, flavor, and tannin structure in wine.

What temperature is extended maceration?

Because the alcohol level is now high, Extended Maceration will extract relatively more seed tannins which can be beneficial if seeds were very ripe and the addition of nutty/almondy taste is desired. We keep the temperature at 70 °F and continue with 1 punch-down per day for up to 5 days (depending on taste).

What does maceration mean in wine terms?

Extended maceration refers to the practice of leaving red wine in contact with skins, stalks and seeds after fermentation has finished in order to optimise the flavour, colour and tannin structure of the wine. Maceration ends once the skins, seeds, and stems have been removed from the juice, must or wine.