Whole Cluster

/HOHL KLUS-ter/
🍷Winemaking

Fermenting with grape stems intact.

Full Definition

Whole cluster fermentation includes grape stems, not just berries. Stems add tannin (green if unripe, refined if mature), aromatic complexity, and textural elements. Used for some Burgundy, Rhone, and Oregon Pinot Noir. Percentage varies from small additions to 100%. Requires fully ripe, lignified stems to avoid green character.

Related Terms

stemscarbonic macerationdestemmed

See Also

tanninpinot noir
Whole BunchBack to GlossaryWine Faults

More terms starting with W

Weight

The heaviness or lightness of wine on the palate.

Wine Faults

Defects that diminish wine quality.

Winemaker

The person responsible for producing wine.

Warm Climate

Wine region with high temperatures during growing season.

Whole Bunch

Fermenting grapes with stems intact.

Wine Lake

European surplus wine from overproduction subsidies.