The Wine Atlas

Carbonic Maceration

A method where whole, unbroken grapes ferment from the inside, before any yeast is involved. It is the technique behind Beaujolais and many light, fruity red wines.

Inside the Sealed Tank

Press play to watch all five stages, or step through them one at a time.

Why it matters

Full vs. Semi Carbonic

Two versions of the same method. The difference is where the carbon dioxide comes from.

    In the glass
    Compare
    Full Carbonic
    Semi Carbonic

    What It Tastes Like

    Drag the slider from a light touch of carbonic to a full nouveau, and watch the wine change.

    Subtle, semi carbonic Classic carbonic Full nouveau
    Exact aromas vary by grape, temperature, duration, and the winemaker's choices. These are the typical signatures, not a fixed recipe.

    Where to Find It

    Where the method is most common, and the words that point to it on a label.

    Look for these on the label
    The carbonic and maceration terms name the method directly. Nouveau, primeur, and joven mark a young, fruity style that is often, though not always, made this way.

    Test Your Knowledge

    Read the clue, then name the concept.

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