What does correr escalas refer to?

Correr escalas refers to the practice of "running of the scales," which is a vital process in the production of Sherry wines. This technique involves periodically checking the alcohol content and specific gravity of the wine during fermentation. It ensures that the wine is developing correctly and is essential in determining when to stop fermentation or when to proceed to further stages of production, including fortification.

Running the scales helps winemakers maintain control over the fermentation process, allowing them to achieve the desired balance and characteristics in the final product. This terminology is unique to the Sherry production process and is crucial for understanding how vintners monitor their wines, particularly in the context of Sherry’s complex multi-step aging process.