Which method is used to chill whole clusters at grape reception?

• A. Heat exchanger (berries)
• B. Refrigerator (whole cluster)
• C. Cold store
• D. Ice bath

Answer: (B)

Chilling at grape reception aims to slow down enzymatic activity and prevent premature fermentation while keeping the fruit intact. For whole clusters, the most effective way is to place them in a temperature-controlled environment designed for whole bunches—a refrigerator for whole clusters. This cools the clusters quickly and evenly without crushing or submerging them, preserving quality right from reception.

A heat exchanger is used for cooling must or berries after crushing, not the whole clusters at reception. An ice bath would wet and potentially damage or contaminate the fruit and isn’t practical for large lots. A cold store stores grapes but isn’t specifically an active chilling method for immediate reception handling.