Top ten keys to making good red wine

[NorCal]

I was asked this the other day and thought it would be a fun post. Here is mine. What is yours?

1. Good fruit
2. Proper sanitation
3. Clean and soft destem and crush
4. Careful monitoring of fermentation
5. Gentle pressing
6. Minimize exposure to oxygen post fermentation
7. Proper SO2 vs. pH management
8. Racking when the wine needs it
9. Patience with aging
10. Good corks

 

[wood1954]

very good I would add adjust PH as my grapes are rather acidic and start Malolactic fermentation.

 

[salcoco]

good sugar and acid management before fermentation. bulk aging post fermentation, oak management post fermentation

 

[Johnd]

I’d add :

Good quality barreling
Using the right techniques to enhance the grapes qualities
Properly storing for the right amount of time

 

[mainshipfred]

All great thoughts however let's not forget style. Good could be subjective as some like it oaky, fruity, tannic, acidic, blended, drier or sweeter or any other profiles. But the list does cover the important aspects of making good wine. So I'll add style and blending to the mix.

 

[Americanhooch]

I'd stress a few things on your list as more critical than others, namely, sanitation, monitoring, and patience.