Degorgement purpose?

• A. Add sugar to adjust sweetness
• B. Remove the lees from the bottle
• C. Brew more sugar
• D. Filter the wine

Answer: (B)

Degorgement is about clearing the bottle by removing the lees. In the traditional method, a second fermentation happens in the bottle and dead yeast cells (lees) collect in the neck. Degorgement releases the pressure and expels that lees plug, leaving a clear, bright wine. This step also sets up the wine to be topped up with dosage if sweetness is desired, before final sealing. It’s the specific action that cleans up sediment, which is why it’s the correct purpose.