II.4.1.9 Secondary fermentation

Definition:

Alcoholic fermentation in hermetically closed containers.

Objective :

To produce sparkling wine by saturation under pressure with endogenous carbon dioxide.

Prescriptions :

This operation takes place:

a)        By the alcoholic fermentation :

• Either of a partially fermented must, or
• Of a cuvee or a base wine with added grape must, concentrated must, grape sugar or sucrose.

b)       In the bottle, or

• In other pressure-resistant containers (closed tank method):
• Whether by the bulk discontinuous method, or
• By the continuous method.