What is Free-Run Juice?

Also known as “vin de goutte” in French or noble juice, free-run juice is a term used in winemaking, referred to the juice that runs freely from the harvested grapes due to the overlying weight, even before they are pressed. Considered to be of high-quality, some winemakers believe that wines made from this juice are pure and exhibit real flavours of the variety. Mostly, it is used for white wine as it tends to be less tannic due to the brief skin contact. 

Free-Run Vs Pressed Juice
When the grapes are pressed, the resultant juice is known as pressed juice. It has more tannins, high pH and potassium level. It is low in acidity as compared to the one obtained from free-run method. Depending upon the wine varietal, pressed juice can have both positive and negative attributes. It has tannins that add more depth to the wine while also improving the aging potential. On the other hand, it could raise the bitterness level.

Free-Run Juice for Red Wines
Although reds are rarely made with free-run juice, such wines showcase more sweet fruit as compared to the ones produced using pressed juice. This is because the former contains lesser tannins as compared to the latter and hence is less bitter. In delicate reds like Pinot Noir, free run juice enhances elegance and aromatic finesse.

As aforementioned, it is called the noble juice, wines made from it are comparatively expensive. These are often sold under a separate label and price. Winemakers may also blend the pressed juice with free-run juice to produce a balanced wine. So the next time you go out to buy wine and notice these terms mentioned on the label, you’d know which one to buy! Winemakers who produce organic wines often priorities free run juice to preserve natural expression.