Definition: Maceration

Maceration is now also used for white wines made from white grapes to intensify the extraction of the more abundant aromas found on the inner wall of the skin.

Maceration in liqueur production involves extracting aromatic compounds by macerating fruit, herbs, roots or aromatic seeds in alcohol. The liquid is then drawn off, filtered and sometimes distilled again. A similar maceration process is used to produce flavoured vinegars.