What is "secondary fermentation"

n. 1 Any fermentation that takes place after the conversion of sugar to alcohol in beers and wine 2 # The production of carbon dioxide in sparkling wine using the méthode champenoise, or in beer using bottle conditioning 3 # malolactic fermentation

Secondary fermentation is a process commonly associated with winemaking, which entails a second period of fermentation in a different vessel than the one used to start the fermentation process. An example of this would be starting fermentation in a carboy or stainless steel tank and then moving it over to oak barrels. Rather than being a separate, second fermentation, this is most often one single fermentation period that is conducted in multiple vessels. However, the term does also apply to procedures that could be described as a second and distinct fermentation period.

Secondary fermentation may refer to:

• Secondary fermentation (wine) - a second fermentation in wine-making
• Secondary fermentation - a second fermentation in brewing beer