Carbonic maceration. Carbonic production.

Slowly slowly. Michał what is this all about ???

This is a fermentation method used in wine production, which significantly affects its aroma, taste and structure.

Wait.. I don't understand.. Do you have samples???... Explain...

Hmm......

Carbonation in wine is like sending grapes on an exclusive vacation – all-inclusive with bubbles! 🍇✨

Instead of crushing them like usual, we give them a moment to chill . In a closed vat, filled with carbon dioxide, the grapes have time to "talk" to their enzymes and do something magical. Ready for a grape story? 🚀

Step 1: Grape Relaxation 🛁

Imagine a whole bunch of grapes jumping into a gas sauna. An oxygen-free atmosphere, no crushing – complete relaxation. The grapes sit there whole, untouched, and think: "I feel something fermenting inside me! "

Step 2: Indoor Party 🎉

Inside each fruit, a real party begins! Enzymes work like DJs ( I would prefer calm jazz , thinking of Miles... but before 1970;-) ), changing sugars into alcohol. 🎶 In the meantime, aromas appear - strawberries, raspberries, and even... bananas?! 🍓🍌

Yes, it's really happening! Grapes dance to the rhythm of CO₂, and don't even notice that their skins are starting to crack. 💥

Step 3: We are bursting with excitement 🤯

After a few days of spa, the grapes decide, "Okay, time to get going!" The skins burst, the juices flow, and the yeast says, "Our turn!" They finish fermenting, and we get wine ready to drink faster than a pizza delivery. 🍕

The end result: wine full of smiles 😄

• Taste? A fruit explosion: strawberries, cherries, raspberries, and sometimes even exotic banana. 🌴

• Structure? Light, zero heavy tannins – no dramas for the palate. 😌

• Mood? Perfect for an evening with friends, a picnic, or "Netflix and wine." 📺🍷

• ( Giro d'Italia, Tour de France, Vuelta a España is better ;-) ) 🚴♂️🚵♂️

  
  

Beaujolais Nouveau – a wine that is always in shape 🥳

This is the most famous "invention" of carbonic production. Young, fresh and full of life - it appears every year on the third Thursday of November and shouts: "Salute! It's me, a new vintage!" . No waiting, no complications - just pure fun in a bottle. 🍾

Slowly... Slowly... Let's keep looking for new wines, flavors..

1. Light red from the Loire Valley 🍷

Beaujolais isn’t the only country that likes to party with carbon! Wines made from varieties like Gamay (the same hero as in Beaujolais) and Cabernet Franc are sometimes produced partially carbonated. The result? Even more fruity joy, less tannins and a lightness that’s perfect for sipping in the shade of a tree. 🌳

2. Wines from the Rioja Joven region 🍇

Spanish Tempranillo, in its joven (young) version, is sometimes partially carbonated. This wine is fiesta in a bottle – fruity, juicy and ready to drink faster than you can say "olé!" 🥳

3. Bardolino and Valpolicella 🍷

Some light reds from northern Italy, notably Bardolino and Valpolicella, can be produced with elements of carbonic maceration. The result? Reds that are just begging to be served al fresco with pizza or pasta. 🍕🍝

4. Wines from the Douro region 🍷

Sometimes, producers in the Douro (better known for heavy, ruby ports) experiment with carbonation for their lighter, red table wines. The result? A fruity and smooth wine, perfect for a summer picnic. 🧺☀️

5. New World Wines 🌎

Producers in New Zealand, Australia and Chile are increasingly playing with this technique, especially with varieties like Pinot Noir and Malbec. With carbonic maceration, they get light, refreshing wines that are a hit at any summer barbecue party. 🍖🍷

6. Experiments with Syrah in the Rhone Valley

Some northern Rhône wines—younger, less complex Syrahs, for example—can go through a brief carbonic adventure. Instead of a powerful wine with peppery, leathery notes, you get a fruitier version with a friendly character. 🍇🌈

7. Natural wines and biodynamics 🌿🍷

Natural wine producers love to experiment, and carbonic maceration is their favorite trick. Such wines often have distinct aromas of red fruits and a light, slightly "wild" note - perfect for a date with nature. 🌱🐾

Forget about heavy, tannic wines that require hours of decanting and the knowledge of a sommelier. Carbonic wines are like your best friends – unpretentious, ready to drink straight away, without pretense.

Sommeliers have incredible skills, but sometimes their poetic language is a real mine of humor. 😉 Cheers! 🍷

Zakorkowany Sommelier - Michał Wójcik