Basic Lessons

Writers: Chelle, Paula
Date Posted: 29th January 2014

Characters: R'gelen, Keayd
Description: Keayd gives a basic instruction lesson.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 5, day 3 of Turn 7

"Fermentation is the term used to specifically refer to the chemical
conversion of sugars into ethanol, a process which is used to produce
alcoholic beverages such as wine, beer and cider. Distillation is method
that is used to produce beverages with higher alcohol content and it
requires fermented beverage to start with." Keayd was lecturing a class full
of junior apprentices, giving them the basics for vintnering.

Rohegalen was listening and taking notes. This was important. He knew there
was going to be an exam on the basics soon enough. His eyes followed Keayd
as the man spoke, wondering how he did the work with such an injury. He
never voiced his question, though. **I wonder if fermentation is what stinks
so much**

"Aging is a process to improve wine's quality. Aging is what distinguishes
wine from most other consumable goods. While wine is perishable and capable
of deteriorating, complex chemical reactions involving a wine's sugars,
acids and phenolic compounds, such as tannins, can alter the aroma, color,
mouthfeel and taste of the wine in a way that may be more pleasing to the
taster. The ability of a wine to age is influenced by many factors including
grape variety, vintage, region and the style wine is made. Any questions so
far?" Keayd paused to let the apprentices mull it over and ask for
questions. The apprentices came from different backgrounds and it was
impossible to know how much they already knew.

"Okay so the color is dependent on the grape. That's pretty easy. Do both
whites and reds age the same amount of time?" He wondered that. It seemed
like he was always seeing older red wines.

"Yes and no, not even all reds age in same time. Some wines don't age at
all," Keayd answered. "Only around the top 10% of all red wine and top 5% of
all white wines can improve significantly with age." He flashed a smile at
the class. "It's all chemistry. And what is the correct aging period...even
masters can't agree."

"Hmmm...what about flavors? How do you get the wines to taste different
besides the grape type?" That was something interesting, he thought.
Everything was so different.

"There are many different grape types, combining different grape varieties
affect the taste, as well as the wine's age and how it's been handled during
the process. The vineyard's location, climate, terrain, soils, vines and
rootstocks, irrigation systems and pest management controls all factor into
the final product in one way or another. Sun exposure and time on the vine
both play a key role in the grape's development and sugar levels. Also how
and what kind of container the wine's been stored, " Keayd explained. "In
the end, the final result is sometimes like throw of a dice, you never know
what you get before the dice lands." That remark caused a burst of laugh
from the apprentices.

Considering all of this, Rohagelen wondered how they ever got any good wine
to turn out. Too many factors to be worrying about. Maybe you just got a
good recipe and stuck with it? "What's your favorite sir?"

"I favour the lighter, crisp whites or good dark ale," Keayd flashed a
smile. "I'm specializing in stronger beverages, liquors and such. That means
mastering the distillation process."

"Oh well that sounds interesting." Of course Rohagelen had never had any of
that yet. He had maybe a drop of wine or two but since he wasn't of age,
more had never been offered. As a vintner, though, he would be required to
taste. "Do we have coopers then?"

"Of course. Now, gather your notes, we are going to the basement to see where
and how the fermentation and distillation really happens," Keayd replied.

Last updated on the February 1st 2014

Welcome to Triad Weyrs!

Basic Lessons