What is pumping over in red wine?

Answered by Nicholas Phillips

Pumping over is a technique used in red production to enhance the extraction of color, flavor, and tannins from the grape skins during fermentation. It involves transferring the fermenting must from the bottom of the tank to the top, effectively soaking the cap of grape skins that forms on the surface.

This process is crucial in production because the color and many of the desirable flavors and tannins are found in the grape skins. By pumping the fermenting must over the cap, winemakers ensure that the skins are fully immersed and in contact with the liquid, allowing for a more complete extraction of these components.

There are various methods of pumping over, depending on the size of the tank and the desired intensity of extraction. In larger tanks, mechanical pumps are commonly used to circulate the must, while in smaller tanks, manual methods such as using a punch-down tool or even simply stirring the cap by hand may be employed.

In addition to pumping over, winemakers may also use spraying devices to evenly distribute the must over the surface of the cap. This helps to prevent the formation of channels or uneven distribution of the liquid, which could hinder the maceration process and result in an uneven extraction of color and flavor.

I have personally used pumping over in my own winemaking endeavors, and I can attest to its effectiveness in enhancing the overall quality of the final product. By ensuring thorough contact between the fermenting must and the grape skins, pumping over helps to extract the desired components while also promoting the development of desirable aromas and flavors.

One important consideration when employing pumping over is the frequency and duration of the process. It is generally recommended to perform pumping over two to three times a day during the peak of fermentation, with each session lasting around 20-30 minutes. This allows for a consistent and thorough extraction without over-extraction, which can lead to harsh or flavors in the finished wine.

Pumping over is a crucial technique in red wine production that allows for the optimal extraction of color, flavor, and tannins from the grape skins. By transferring the fermenting must from the bottom to the top of the tank, winemakers ensure that the skins are fully immersed and in contact with the liquid, resulting in a more complete and balanced extraction. Spraying devices can also be used to distribute the must evenly over the surface, preventing the formation of channels and ensuring uniform maceration.