Fining
Intermediate Winemaking & ViticultureDefinition
Adding substances to clarify wine and remove unwanted compounds.
In Depth
Fining agents bond with target molecules and settle out. Egg white reduces harsh tannins in reds; bentonite clay removes haze-causing proteins in whites; PVPP strips bitter phenolics. The agent is removed with the precipitate, but trace amounts may remain — hence allergen labeling requirements. Unfined wines may be cloudier but retain more texture.
Details
- Category
- Winemaking & Viticulture
- Difficulty
- Intermediate