Racking in winemaking refers to the process of transferring wine from one container to another, leaving behind sediment and other solid particles. The purpose of racking is to clarify the wine, remove impurities, and help prevent spoilage and oxidation. Racking is typically performed several times during the winemaking process, starting from the primary fermentation stage to the aging and storage stages.
During racking, the wine is carefully poured from one container to another, leaving behind the sediment that has formed at the bottom. The process is repeated several times, until the wine is clear and free from impurities. The wine is then placed into a clean container for further aging, clarification, or storage.
Racking is a crucial step in winemaking that helps ensure the quality and stability of the final product. By removing impurities and reducing the wine’s exposure to air, racking helps preserve the wine’s flavor, aroma, and color, and helps prevent spoilage and oxidation.