Semi-Carbonic

/SEM-ee kar-BON-ik/
🍷Winemaking

Partial whole-grape fermentation technique.

Full Definition

Semi-carbonic maceration (whole-cluster fermentation) places whole grape clusters in tanks where weight crushes bottom grapes, beginning conventional fermentation. Upper grapes undergo intracellular carbonic maceration. This hybrid technique is used for some Beaujolais, Rioja, and natural wines, producing fruity character with more complexity than full carbonic.

Related Terms

carbonic macerationwhole clusterbeaujolais

See Also

fermentationmaceration
SedimentBack to GlossarySemi-Sweet

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