Zibibbo wine typically has an alcohol content of around 16% vol. This high alcohol content is achieved through a process known as fermentation. As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that the fermentation process is crucial in determining the final alcohol content of the wine.
To begin, the grapes used to make Zibibbo wine are harvested at the optimal ripeness to ensure they contain enough sugar to ferment into alcohol. These grapes are then crushed and the juice is extracted. The juice is then placed in a fermentation vessel where yeast is added.
During fermentation, the yeast consumes the sugars in the grape juice and converts them into alcohol. This process releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct, which is why you may see bubbles or hear a fizzing sound during fermentation. It's an exciting time for any winemaker, as the flavors and aromas of the wine start to develop.
In the case of Zibibbo wine, a slow fermentation process is employed, with the temperature carefully controlled. This allows for a more gradual conversion of sugar into alcohol, resulting in a fuller and more complex flavor profile. The controlled temperature helps to preserve the delicate aromas of the grapes.
Once the fermentation process is underway, the winemaker closely monitors the sugar levels in the wine. This is done using a hydrometer, which measures the specific gravity of the liquid. When the desired sugar content is reached, the winemaker takes the next step to halt the fermentation process.
To stop the fermentation and achieve the desired alcohol content of 16% vol, wine alcohol is added. This addition of alcohol effectively kills the yeast and prevents any further conversion of sugar into alcohol. It's a way of preserving the sweetness and balance of the wine.
Adding wine alcohol also has the added benefit of enhancing the overall alcohol content of the wine. The alcohol content is measured in terms of volume per volume (vol/vol), indicating the percentage of alcohol in the total volume of the wine.
Zibibbo wine typically has an alcohol content of 16% vol. This is achieved through a slow fermentation process with controlled temperature, followed by the addition of wine alcohol to stop the fermentation and reach the desired alcohol level. The result is a beautifully balanced wine with a higher alcohol content, perfect for those who appreciate a bold and flavorful wine.