In
continuing to monitor the progress of our wine, we periodically need
to address the evaporation that takes place from the barrel. If a
container isn't completely air-tight, such as an oak wine barrel,
evaporation takes place and the alcohol and water particles in the
wine can escape as vapors. This is referred to as ullage.
Ullage
(pronounced uh-lij) which comes from
the French ouillage, has
many definitions, one of which describes this process of wine
evaporating from a wooden container, such as a barrel. It is also
used to describe the head space within the barrel that is caused by
such evaporation. And, if you want to impress your friends at your
next party, it is also used to identify the air space in a sealed
bottle of wine. Regardless of what it is called, the head space in
the barrel often needs to be “topped off” to fill the empty
space, which, ironically, is referred to as...ullage.
Sometimes
we have to get a little creative on how we actually reach the barrels
to make sure they are full.
In
addition to topping off the barrels, we like to take a sample from
each barrel to check the progress. Speaking of progress, I must say
the wine is coming along quite nicely. The flavors are continuing to
develop and the color is a beautiful, rich garnet. We are so thrilled
with the progress and can't wait to share the finished product with
everyone.
As
the calendar counts down to the end of 2012, we would like to take
this time to wish you and your family all the best. May you be
surrounded by loved ones as you share good stories, great food, and
fantastic wines.
Happy
Holidays!
