The Unseen Engine of Fermentation

e-mail

View the entire table of contents
for the Oct. 15, 2006 issue

See Also:
Saturday, November 15, 2008 Unwelcome Rot
Thursday, November 15, 2007 Inside Wine: Tannins
Monday, October 15, 2007 Inside Wine: When Rot Is Noble
Saturday, March 31, 2007 Inside Wine: In the Vine Gene Pool
Monday, May 15, 2006 Inside Wine: Too Much of a Good Thing
More from Inside Wine

Yeast is a vintner's closest ally—and potential adversary

Daniel Sogg
Issue: October 15, 2006

People may call themselves winemakers, but it's not entirely true to say that vintners make wine. The actual winemaking process—the transformation of grape juice into grape wine through fermentation—is performed by a single-celled fungus, yeast. Used for millennia to make bread, beer and wine, yeast consumes sugar and other nutrients to produce alcohol, carbon dioxide and heat, among other compounds.

To Continue Reading This Page, Become a WineSpectator.com Member Today!

Get a SNEAK PREVIEW of the Top 100 Wines of 2009 on Monday, Nov. 16th

PLUS:

• Search over 200,000 wine ratings and tasting notes

• Get FREE mobile access

• Consult our editors' blogs

• Find widely available wines and good values

• Get e-newsletters with ADVANCE ratings

Log In If You're Already a WineSpectator.com Member

MEMBER LOGIN NOT A MEMBER?

Get a SNEAK PREVIEW of the Top 100 Wines of 2009
Search wines in every price range
Get mobile access
Read editors' blogs for expert advice
Keep track of your favorite wines

Top 100 of 2009: Don't Miss It!

The Wine of the Year has been unveiled! See details on the 10 most exciting wines of the year, plus the full Top 100 PDF.

WineSpectator.com members: Get the full Top 100 with tasting notes. Plus, add the wines to your PWL.

Free Email Newsletters

Sips & Tips | Wine & Healthy Living | Video Theater
Collecting & Auctions | New at Wine Spectator

» View samples
» Or sign up now!
» Manage my newsletter preferences