What is the purpose of a wine press?

The primary purpose of a wine press is to extract juice from grapes while simultaneously separating it from the solids. This process is crucial in winemaking, as the juice is what will be fermented to create wine. When grapes are crushed, the press helps to release the juice while minimizing the amount of skin, seeds, and stems that can interfere with the clarity and flavor of the finished wine.

This separation is particularly important for white wines, where the juice is fermented without the skins to prevent unwanted color and tannins from affecting the final product. In the case of red wines, while the skins are not entirely left behind, the press still plays an essential role in managing how much solid material is incorporated into the juice, impacting the wine's body, mouthfeel, and overall flavor profile.

The other options do not capture the primary function of a wine press accurately. Adding flavor, compressing fermented juice, or aerating wine during aging do not specifically relate to the core function of pressing grapes during the initial winemaking process.