Winemaking Technique
Alcoholic Fermentation
Primary Fermentation
Alcoholic fermentation converts grape sugars into ethanol and CO₂ via yeast metabolism — the defining step that turns grape juice into wine. Temperature, yeast strain, and nutrient management shape aroma intensity, alcohol level, and fermentation kinetics.
Also known as: Primary fermentation, AF
Purpose
Convert must sugars to alcohol and generate primary fermentation aromas.
Process stage
Fermentation
How it works
- All still wines
- Base wines for sparkling
- Fortified wine bases
Common wine styles
Common grape varieties
Common regions
Descriptors created
Serving implications
Beginner explanation
This is the core step every wine undergoes — everything else in winemaking builds on or modifies what happens here.
FAQ
- How long does alcoholic fermentation take?
- Typically 5–14 days for still wines, depending on temperature, yeast strain, and sugar level.
Related ontology entities
- Chardonnay Wine Style
- Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Style
- Pinot Noir Wine Style
- Riesling Wine Style
- France Wine Region
- Italy Wine Region
- Spain Wine Region
- Napa Valley Wine Region
- Juicy Descriptor
- Floral Descriptor
- Chardonnay Grape Variety
- Cabernet Sauvignon Grape Variety
- Pinot Noir Grape Variety
- Cellar Temperature Serving
- Chilled Serving