A distinction must be made between a deliberately induced second fermentation in the bottle in the production of quality sparkling wine and an undesired secondary fermentation in a still wine:
A second fermentation is initiated in the base wine by adding the dosage (filling dosage = sugar and yeast) to the bottle. During the second alcoholic fermentation of this wine, the sugar is converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide, which greatly increases the carbon dioxide pressure in the bottle. In addition, further esters and higher alcohols are produced, which have a positive effect on the flavour of the wine.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien