Concord grapes, while delicious for eating and making grape juice, do not typically make good wine. There are a few reasons for this.
Firstly, Concord grapes have a high level of acidity. This acidity can result in a wine that is too tart and sharp, lacking balance and complexity. While some acidity is important in wine, too much can overpower the other flavors and make the wine unpleasant to drink. Winemakers often need to adjust the acidity levels in Concord grape wines by adding substances like calcium carbonate or tartaric acid to achieve a more balanced taste.
Secondly, Concord grapes are relatively low in sugar compared to other wine grape varieties. Sugar is essential for the fermentation process, as yeast converts the sugar into alcohol. Without enough sugar, the wine may end up with a low alcohol content and a thin body. To compensate for this, winemakers often need to add sugar or grape concentrate during fermentation to increase the alcohol level and enhance the wine's mouthfeel.
Additionally, Concord grapes have a distinct flavor that can be challenging to work with in winemaking. They have a strong, foxy aroma that some people find off-putting. This flavor profile is not typically associated with traditional wine styles and can be difficult to balance with other flavors. Winemakers may need to blend Concord grapes with other grape varieties or employ specific winemaking techniques to mitigate the foxy character.
Lastly, Concord grapes have thick skins that can impart harsh and bitter tannins to the wine if not properly managed. Tannins are compounds found in grape skins and contribute to the structure, texture, and aging potential of the wine. However, an excessive amount of tannins can leave the wine with an astringent and puckering sensation. To prevent this, winemakers often press the juice from the grape skins before fermentation to minimize tannin extraction.
While Concord grapes are excellent for eating and making grape juice, they present challenges when it comes to winemaking. Their high acidity, low sugar content, distinct flavor profile, and thick skins all contribute to the difficulty of producing a well-balanced and enjoyable wine. However, with careful adjustments and winemaking techniques, it is possible to create a satisfactory wine from Concord grapes.