Filters

Writers: Chelle, Paula
Date Posted: 8th September 2014

Characters: R'gelen, Keayd
Description: What: It's just another apprentice-lesson.
Location: Vintner Hall
Date: month 8, day 23 of Turn 7

"So, any other questions about this subject?" Keayd asked, looking over the
classroom. "If not, then we move onto filters."

Rohagelen didn't have any questions. It was fairly straightforward. He'd
have to work out the math later though with the capacities and the amount
of grapes it took to make just that much wine.
It would take time which he didn't have just then. **Filters, that seems
like more of a mechanical thing-to make them. I can do that.** "No sir," he
obediently answered.

"Filters are needed when wine is poured to the casks from the pits they
were juiced. It keeps the grapes out of the liquid," Keayd started and then
he went to draw it to the blackboard. It became rather stylized graph of
the filtering process.

"What do we use to make them sir?" Rohagelen sat up and began taking notes.
This was something more easily done. He didn't feel as intimidated as some
of the other aspects of the craft.

"The actual filter is very simple: wooden frame and cloth with suitable
porousness. Mostly we use linen, which can be woven to different
coarseness," Keayd replied. "Different coarseness is used to different
wines and some wines need to be filtered twice."

"A wooden frame...could there be a wire nesting perhaps around the linen?"
He thought that would do a better job of catching the grapes and keeping
the cloth from tearing.

Key gave him amused smile. "I don't make them, I just use them. We have
journeymen specialized in making them. You might want to talk with them."

"Oh well how long can you use them for before they have to be replaced?"
That was important to know probably. He scribbled down some notes, trying
to imagine it. It would probably be better to see the process done. "And
what do we do with the byproducts after getting them out?"

"How many times they can be used depends on the quality of the linen. As
for the by-products...kitchen uses some but most is turned to fertilizer,"
Keayd replied. Rohagelen certainly was inquisitive. It was good sign, the
apprentice showed much promise.

Fertilizer...that was something his father would appreciate. He could tell
him that in a letter, for sure. Listening to some of the questions the
others had, he wondered just how large they were.

After the questions died down, Keayd declared a break. "After the break you
will get a chance to help in actual filtering process. So, we gather again
after half a candlemark in wine press room." Then he watched with amusement
when most of the apprentices rushed out of the class room like colts let
out to pasture. "Don't forget that you're supposed to take notes of the
process!" he called after them.

Taking his time to use the necessary and get his things in order, Rohagelen
grabbed his waterskin and drank before heading to the wine press room. This
was exciting! Another vital part to being a proper vintner. So far, he felt
like he could handle his studies. He hadn't gone outside his depth yet.
That was a good sign, right?

Keayd had made it there before any of the boys and was chatting with a
senior journeyman.

Rohagelen focused on him and he took his spot near the wall, waiting. His
eyes were everywhere, taking it all in. This was the first time he had been
in here and the smell was pervasive. This was wine-pure and simple. From
this, they got their product if they treated it well enough.

Keayd clapped his hands to get everyone's attention. "All right, let's get
started. Journeyman here will give you instructions, so pay attention to
him."

"So basically to get the juice we mash the grapes. Then we're left with
juice containing skins, seeds, and other detritus. So to remove it, we use
filters. The mash is poured into the filters which clean out the problems
and then we have juice and pomace. The pomace can be used to make flour and
the seeds are used to make oil as well as a few other products. Many
vintners are particular about the type of filter they use. We use thicker
filters for red grapes than white ones. Some use linen, others use linen
and wire, with wood frames." He pulled up a few examples for them to look
at.

Listening to the fellow journeyman, Keayd realized there was things he had
simply forgotten after his apprentice days, since he didn't need that
knowledge in his daily life.

It took some time but finally the lecture was over. Rohagelen found himself
wondering if he had taken enough notes. Following Keayd, he remembered it
was time for midday meal. His stomach rumbled in anticipation as he
chattered with some of the other young men.

Last updated on the October 3rd 2014

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Filters