Delestage
/deh-less-TAHJ/Rack-and-return technique for gentle extraction.
Full Definition
Delestage (rack-and-return) is a red winemaking technique where fermenting juice is drained from the tank, the cap settles, then the juice is pumped back over. This provides gentle extraction, aerates the must, and can help prevent reduction. It extracts less harsh tannin than traditional punch-down or pump-over.