Which step in the vinification process involves removing solids and clarifying the wine?

Which step in the vinification process involves removing solids and clarifying the wine?

• A. Harvest
• B. Filtration
• C. Fermentation
• D. Bottling

Answer: (B)

Clearing and clarifying wine is achieved by filtration. Filtration passes the wine through physical filters that trap solids like lees, yeast cells, and other particulates, producing a clearer, more stable product before packaging. In the vinification sequence, harvesting gathers the grapes, fermentation converts sugars to alcohol (and creates some solids), and bottling occurs after stabilization. While settling or fining can also help clarify, filtration is the direct step that removes the remaining solids to clarify the wine.

Clearing and clarifying wine is achieved by filtration. Filtration passes the wine through physical filters that trap solids like lees, yeast cells, and other particulates, producing a clearer, more stable product before packaging. In the vinification sequence, harvesting gathers the grapes, fermentation converts sugars to alcohol (and creates some solids), and bottling occurs after stabilization. While settling or fining can also help clarify, filtration is the direct step that removes the remaining solids to clarify the wine.