What Happens in December?

Wine made in December typically falls into specific categories based on the time of harvest and winemaking process:

1. Ice Wine (Eiswein)

• Description: Ice wine is made from grapes that are left on the vine until they freeze naturally in cold December weather.

•Process: The frozen grapes are hand-harvested and pressed while still frozen. This concentrates the sugars and flavors, resulting in a rich, sweet dessert wine.

•Regions: Canada, Germany, and Austria are famous for producing high-quality ice wines.

2. Late-Harvest Wines

• Description: Grapes harvested in late autumn or early winter (December in some regions) are used to make late-harvest wines.

• Characteristics: These wines are typically sweeter, as the grapes have more concentrated sugars from being left on the vine longer.

• Regions: Popular in regions with long growing seasons, such as Alsace (France) and certain parts of California.

3. Winter Wine Production

• While December isn’t typically a harvest month in many regions, winemaking from previously harvested grapes continues. Fermentation, aging, and blending are common activities in December.

If you’re looking for December wine activities, festive wines like mulled wine or wines paired with holiday meals are also popular during this season.

It's tricky to say definitively what kind of wine is made in December, because winemaking is a process that stretches over many months! December falls in the middle of the process for many wines.

However, here's what's likely happening in the world of winemaking during December:

• In the Northern Hemisphere: Winemakers are busy with activities like:
  • Racking: Transferring wine from one vessel to another to clarify it.
  • Malolactic fermentation: A secondary fermentation process that can soften acidity in red wines.
  • Blending: Combining different wines to create the desired final product.
  • Aging: Many wines will be aging in oak barrels.
  • Bottling: Some wines may be bottled in December, especially lighter-bodied whites and rosés.
• In the Southern Hemisphere: It's the middle of the growing season, so December is a busy time in the vineyards with activities like:
  • Monitoring grape ripening: Checking sugar levels and acidity.
  • Managing canopy growth: Ensuring the vines have optimal sunlight and airflow.
  • Pest and disease control: Protecting the grapes from damage.

If you're curious about what wines are best to drink in December, many people enjoy fuller-bodied reds, sparkling wines, and fortified wines like Port during the colder months. Here are a few examples:

• Cabernet Sauvignon: A classic full-bodied red with notes of blackcurrant, cedar, and vanilla.
• Zinfandel: A bold, fruit-forward red with flavors of blackberry, plum, and spice.
• Champagne: Perfect for celebrations, Champagne offers crisp acidity and complex aromas.
• Port: A sweet fortified wine, often enjoyed with dessert or cheese.

Do you have any other questions about wine or winemaking? I'm happy to help!