Which of the following is a method of must clarification?

• A. Sedimentation (settling; cheap but takes time)
• B. Flotation (bubbling gas through must, bubbles bring particles with them; expensive but effective and quick)
• C. Centrifugation (expensive, good for large V)
• D. Clarifying agents (pectolyc enzymes, etc)

Answer: (B)

Must clarification aims to remove suspended solids from grape must before fermentation. Flotation does this by bubbling gas through the must; the bubbles attach particles and carry them to the surface, where they can be skimmed off. This approach is fast and effective, which is why it’s favored when quick clarification is needed and the operation has the right equipment and cost to justify it.

Sedimentation is cheaper but slow, relying on gravity to settle solids over time. Centrifugation is fast and powerful but requires expensive equipment and is typically used for large volumes. Clarifying agents use enzymes or other additives to help particles coagulate and settle more readily, which is another route to clarification but works differently than the physical separation of flotation.