In our previous blog, From Vine to Wine: The Life Cycle of a Grape at Ivanhoe Wines, we explored the meticulous care and attention given to our vines as they grow, thrive, and bear fruit. But what happens next? How do those precious grapes transform into the wines you enjoy?
Welcome to the vinification process, the stage where the magic happens. At Ivanhoe Wines, we take great pride in turning our handpicked grapes into the exquisite wines that grace your table. This journey from grape to bottle is a harmonious blend of tradition, precision, and passion, with subtle differences depending on the style of wine—be it red, white, or sparkling.
Harvest and Sorting
Once the grapes are harvested, they are brought to our winery where the journey truly begins. Each bunch is carefully sorted to remove any leaves, stems, or imperfect fruit. This step ensures that only the highest-quality grapes make it into our wines.
Crushing and Destemming
For most of our wines, the next step is crushing and destemming. This process gently separates the grape juice from the skins and seeds. However, when it comes to red wines, the skins and seeds remain to play a vital role in fermentation, adding colour, tannin, and complexity to the final wine.
Fermentation
Fermentation is where nature and science unite.
RED WINES
For our red wines, including Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chambourcin, fermentation takes place with the grape skins. This is what gives red wine its deep colour and robust tannins. We closely monitor the temperature and use gentle techniques like pumping over to extract the best flavours without overpowering the wine.
WHITE WINES
White varieties such as our Semillon, Chardonnay, Verdelho, and Traminer, follow a different path. Here, the grape juice is separated from the skins before fermentation begins, resulting in a light, fresh profile. For certain varieties, such as our Riesling, we use cool fermentation techniques to preserve delicate aromas and crisp acidity.
Pressing and Clarification
For some white wines and all red wines, pressing occurs post-fermentation to extract every last drop of juice. The wine is then clarified to remove any solids, leaving a clear, pure liquid ready for the next stage.
Ageing/Maturation
Ageing allows wine to develop greater depth and character, whether in a barrel or bottle. At Ivanhoe Wines, we barrel age our wines to enhance their complexity and flavour, creating a more refined drinking experience. Barrel aging can introduce subtle spice, toasty notes, and hints of vanilla, while also softening tannins—resulting in a smoother, more balanced wine.
RED WINES
Our bold reds, like Durif Cabernet and Prince of Thieves, are often aged in oak barrels, which enhance their structure and add subtle notes of vanilla, spice, or toast.
WHITE WINES
Most white wines are fined in stainless steel tanks to preserve their fresh, fruity characteristics. However, a select few, such as our Chardonnay, may see some time in oak for a richer, creamier profile.
Blending and Bottling
Before bottling, we meticulously taste, blend, and fine-tune the wines to ensure every bottle meets our high standards. Once the perfect balance is achieved, the wines are filtered, bottled, and sealed—ready to make their way to your glass.
Experience Ivanhoe Wines
From the depth of our Shiraz Cabernet to the crisp elegance of our The Archer, and the celebratory fizz of Sparkling Maiden, every bottle reflects the care and craftsmanship that goes into our winemaking process.
We invite you to visit our Hunter Valley cellar door to experience the fruits of our labour firsthand. There’s a story behind every bottle—one we’d love to share with you.
Explore our range of wines: