Code International des pratiques œnologiques

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Secondary fermentation

II.4.1.9 Secondary fermentation

Definition:

Alcoholic fermentation in hermetically closed containers.

 

Objective :

To produce sparkling wine by saturation under pressure with endogenous carbon dioxide.

Prescriptions :

This operation takes place:

a)        By the alcoholic fermentation :

  • Either of a partially fermented must, or
  • Of a cuvee or a base wine with added grape must, concentrated must, grape sugar or sucrose.

b)       In the bottle, or

  • In other pressure-resistant containers (closed tank method):
  • Whether by the bulk discontinuous method, or
  • By the continuous method.