Hi folks, I have some gewurztraminer which was frozen after harvest - whole on the stalks. I do not have access to a crusher destemmer to remove the stalks prior to pressing. I am thinking about just pressing with the stems in place - and hope the the freezing process will soften up the grapes sufficiently to be able to press them effectively. My concern is possible flavour issues resulting from pressing with the stalks attached.
any comments? steve
You can press whites withthe stems, it is often done that way. You will want to try and break up the berries though.
Steve,
That's how they make ice wine in Canada. Pick frozen clusters & crush. The juice comes out concentrated in sugars, flavors & acid, since much of the water is still ice when pressed, and stays with the pomace.
If the volume is not too great you can always pick them off the stem by hand. Tedious but it works if you are not lazy. As stated above, however, it is mandatory that you crush the grapes before pressing. Put them in a bucket and stomp on them.
Ray
If you are going to stomp on them you can put a bread bag on your foot if the idea of using your feet sounds too off... You will NEVER crack any seeds or bruise stalks with your feet or hands, it's impossible unless the incredible hulk is helping out. Joe
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