Sensory Evaluation Online Class, Lesson One at WSU

Winter seems like a good time to take another online class at Washington State University. These classes are a good value. You have until December 31st to complete access to the class. This class is Sensory Evaluation taught by Dr. Carolyn Ross. The class format includes a video and PowerPoint presentation. You can print the […]

Some Thoughts about the WSU Class

I have been very interested in taking courses about wine. The online winemaking class through Washington State University was in a stand and deliver format. The instructor used slides to present the material. The audio included much more information than printed on the slides. If one downloads the pdf of the slide, they […]

Winemaking Online Class, Lesson Seven at WSU

The final class lesson looked at red winemaking. This rather lengthy class reviewed many of the previously presented winemaking practices as well as highlighted new practices. The lecture began with fermentation. Red wines ferment at warm temperatures. Oxidation is usually not a problem since the skins and seeds form a cap above the […]

Winemaking Online Class, Lesson Six at WSU

This lesson looked at specific wine making techniques as they relate to white wine. The instructor discussed the importance of cool fermentation and the need to protect the wine from oxidation. The practice of adding enzymes was presented. These enzymes improve juice yield and help in clarification. The comparison between barrel fermentation and […]

Winemaking Online Class, Lesson Five at WSU

Barreling, clarification, blending and bottling were the topics explored in this lesson. It began with a discussion of barrels and differences between French, American and Hungarian barrels. The instructor talked about the characters that barrel aging could add to wine as well as the degree of toast and a barrel’s lifespan.

Clarification […]

Winemaking Online Class, Lesson Four at WSU

The fourth lesson explored secondary fermentation. The lecture described in detail the conversion of malic acid to lactic acid. This malolactic conversion is going to affect the pH and TA levels. The lactic acid is less acedic than the malic acid. The secondary fermentation can stabilize the wine and change the flavor.

Winemaking Online Class, Lesson Three at WSU

I must be getting use to the science, at least the chemistry, part of the class. The third class explored fermentation or the fermentation done by yeast rather than other winemaking fermentations. I thought it was interesting to note that the temperature of the must rises by 1.3º C for each Brix fermented. […]

Winemaking Online Class, Lesson Two at WSU

If the first lesson didn’t convince me that this is a science class the second lesson certainly did. This lesson dealt with the preparation of the must and juice. In addition to the chemistry there was a healthy dose of math. I wonder if there is an iPhone app for winemakers.

Several […]