Winemaking

WHAT IS "BRIX" IN WINE?

Brix is a key metric in winemaking that expresses the sugar content of a liquid solution. It is used for determining harvest timing, estimating potential alcohol, and monitoring fermentation. It’s always used alongside acidity and taste to ensure balance in the finished wine. • In winemaking, it tells you how much sugar is present in grape juice, must (crushed grapes), or fermenting wine. • It’s crucial because sugar is what yeast converts into alcohol and carbon dioxide during fermentation.

Diane Valenti

${!!@$headlines->page_title!!}$

How Brix is Measured:

1. Refractometer

• A handheld device that uses light refraction through a drop of juice.

• Quick and easy but less accurate once fermentation begins (alcohol interferes with readings).

2. Hydrometer

• A floating glass instrument that measures the density (specific gravity) of a liquid.

• More accurate during fermentation because it accounts for alcohol’s effect.

Typical Brix Levels in Grapes:

• Table grapes (eating): ~14–18 °Bx

• Wine grapes at harvest: ~20–28 °Bx (depending on style)

o White wines: ~20–24 °Bx

o Red wines: ~22–28 °Bx

o Dessert wines / late harvest: 30 °Bx or more

☆Related Stories

Winemaking

DISCOVER OUR GRAPES

At Make Wine With Us, our goal is to obtain grapes from the very best grape growing regions of the world. The varietals from regions in California, Italy, and Chile represent some of the finest grapes known to winemakers. You will find grapes varying in body, acidity, and tannins. Let us help you find the perfect grape to fit your palate, from full-bodied reds to crisp white wines. Our objective is to assist you, our winemaker, in turning those grapes into wines you’ll continuously enjoy!

Winemaking

CALIFORNIA GRAPES

Make Wine With Us

Raise your glass to our California grapes! Procured from the Mediterranean climate and sandy soil of Lodi, in Central Valley, to the rich soil of Amador County in the rolling foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains, discover varietals from Barbera to Tempranillo. These grapes are aromatic, fruit-forward, and perfect for pressing during the fall harvest.

Winemaking

ITALIAN JUICES

Italian juices, made from premium grapes, produce extraordinary wines. Varietals include Brunello, Dolcetto, Lambrusco, Black Malvasia, Meritage, Montepulciano, and Valpolicella. Additionally, popular white wine varietals are available. Choices abound!

Winemaking

SPRING REGION: CHILE

As spring enters the northern hemisphere it is harvest time in the southern hemisphere! Most of Chile’s premium wine regions acquire water from the melting snow caps of the Andes Mountains. And, with diverse soil composition, Chilean grapes grow in granite rich soil that’s perfect for award-winning reds.

Winemaking

Learn More About Our Spring Regions: Chile

For value conscious connoisseurs looking for a great wine, they need to look no further than Chile. With diverse soil composition, Chilean grapes grow in granite rich alluvial soil that’s perfect for award-winning reds. Join us to learn more about this region and why your next spring pressing may just be from Chile.

Winemaking

Spring Is Almost Here and That Means It’s Time for the Spring Season!

As Spring enters the northern hemisphere, that means it's harvest time for the Chilean and South African vineyards. Now is the perfect time to sign up for our spring pressings!

See More Stories →