Pigeage

/pee-ZHAHJ/

Punching down the cap during fermentation.

Full Definition

Pigeage (punch-down) is a cap management technique where the floating layer of grape skins is pushed down into the fermenting juice, either manually with a tool or mechanically. This extracts color, tannin, and flavor while preventing the cap from drying and spoiling. Gentler than pump-over (remontage).

Related Terms

remontage cap extraction

See Also

maceration fermentation

Physiological Ripeness Back to Glossary Pipe

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