What is disgorgement?

What is disgorgement?

• A. The topping up with wine
• B. The labeling of bottles
• C. The removal of the frozen yeast plug from the bottle.
• D. The addition of sugar to begin carbonation

Answer: (C)

Disgorgement is the step in the traditional method where the wine is freed from the lees that formed during the second fermentation in the bottle. After the bottles are riddled so the sediment gathers in the neck, the neck is chilled so the lees form a frozen plug. When the cap is popped, the pressure expels that frozen plug along with the sediment, leaving the wine clear. This removal is essential to prevent continued yeast autolysis and cloudiness, giving the finished wine its brightness and stability. After disgorgement, dosage may be added to replace liquid lost and to adjust sweetness before final corking.

Disgorgement is the step in the traditional method where the wine is freed from the lees that formed during the second fermentation in the bottle. After the bottles are riddled so the sediment gathers in the neck, the neck is chilled so the lees form a frozen plug. When the cap is popped, the pressure expels that frozen plug along with the sediment, leaving the wine clear. This removal is essential to prevent continued yeast autolysis and cloudiness, giving the finished wine its brightness and stability. After disgorgement, dosage may be added to replace liquid lost and to adjust sweetness before final corking.