Autumn, with its warm colors and enveloping scents, brings with it an ancient ritual that embodies the essence of tradition: the grape harvest.
At the heart of this process lies the must, the fresh juice obtained from grape pressing, ready to transform into wine through fermentation.
This miracle of nature and craftsmanship has accompanied us for centuries, blending science and passion. In particular, must represents the beginning of a sensory journey that culminates in the discovery of unique flavors, a path that we at Vinhood celebrate with an innovative approach to tasting and understanding taste.
What is must?
Must is the result of the initial phase of winemaking.
After the grape harvest, the clusters are crushed to extract the juice, which contains not only the liquid but also the skins, seeds, and other solid components of the grape.
This mixture is still raw and sugary, but it is here that the fermentation process begins, thanks to the action of yeasts that transform the sugars into alcohol.
The magic of must lies in its potential. It is a dynamic element that transforms rapidly under the influence of many factors: from the grape variety to its region of origin, and the winemaking techniques employed.
It is a living liquid, constantly evolving, heralding the birth of wine, the king of our tables.
Tradition and innovation in must
While winemaking is an ancient art, today it merges with technology to enhance the consumer experience.
The autumn grape harvest is a pivotal moment when the terroir expresses itself to the fullest: the quality of the must depends on the balance of sugars, acids, and tannins in the grapes, influenced by climate and soil.
For this reason, every wine region has its own distinctive character, and the must produced in these areas reflects the local winemaking culture.
Must as a sensory experience
For those lucky enough to participate in a grape harvest or visit a winery in autumn, the aroma of fresh must is an unforgettable experience.
The bouquet of must is rich with fruity, floral, and sometimes spicy notes, depending on the grapes used. This fragrance is a promise, a preview of what the wine will become.
The significance of must is also evident in the production of specific wines, such as vino novello, which retains part of the must’s freshness thanks to a quick fermentation process.
Cooked must (mosto cotto), an Italian specialty, is used as an ingredient in desserts or as a sweet-and-sour condiment, showcasing its versatility in the kitchen.
The cultural and social value of must
Beyond its technical importance, must holds profound cultural significance.
The grape harvest is often a celebration, a communal event that brings local communities together in an activity that blends hard work with festivity.
As a symbol of collective effort, must represents the first step toward a product that embodies the history and traditions of its region.
At Vinhood, committed to making the world of taste more accessible, we recognize this connection between culture, community, and flavor. By promoting greater awareness of one’s palate, Vinhood offers users the chance to connect with their cultural heritage while also exploring new sensory horizons.
The journey of taste with Vinhood
Vinhood has revolutionized the approach to tasting. Moving away from the often complex and elitist language of the wine world, it has developed a classification system based on sensory characteristics that are easy to understand.
For instance, within the world of wine, Vinhood introduces 16 “wine characters” ranging from #Affectionate, for sweet and velvety wines, to #Magnetic, for fresh and flavorful red wines. This system helps consumers identify the perfect wine for their palate, making the tasting experience accessible and enjoyable.
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