Mega-purple

Mega Purple is a brand name for a food additive produced from grapes by Canandaigua West of Merced, California, a division of Constellation Brands. The process used for producing the additive is proprietary. Based on the descriptions of effects to wines by winemakers it is likely produced by a series of processes such as vacuum distillation, fractional distillation and solvent extraction. The product is one of a series of concentrates marketed as Kosher additives for food with names such as Mega "Cherry Shade" Grape Juice Concentrate, Mega Purple Grape Juice Concentrate, Mega Red Grape Juice Concentrate

In winemaking

There has been some discussion in the industry regarding the use of additives such as Mega Purple to bolster or enhance sensory attributes such as color, taste and mouth feel. It is reported that as much as 20% of the total production of such additives is related to wines. According to journal reports, Mega purple is used by almost every low to moderate value wine producer (below $20US/750-ml bottle) to help standardize the bottled product ensuring a more uniform product.^[1]

It is produced by concentrating the teinturier grape Rubired, a cross between Alicante Ganzin and Tinta Cão, has 68% sugar and sells for approximately $135 a gallon.^[1]

Mega purple has raised some controversy within the wine consuming community as its use is considered to be akin to adulterating a wine.^[2][3] Others, such as John Williams, winemaker for Frog's Leap Winery, has stated that the need for its use is evidence of poor viticulture and or winemaking.^[4]

References

1. ^ ^{a b} Berger, Dan, Wines & Vines (March 2006). Mega Purple
2. ^ Brown, Los Angeles Times, Corie (March 28, 2009). "What's really in that wine?". http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fo-newwine28mar28,3,7229987,full.story. Retrieved August 26, 2009. 
3. ^ Thomas, Gourmet, Tara Q. (March 24, 2008). "What's in a wine?". http://www.gourmet.com/winespiritsbeer/2008/03/wineingredients. Retrieved August 26, 2009. 
4. ^ Williams, John, sarep.ucdavis.edu Science of Sustainable Viticulture