Which of the following components is NOT typically found in grape must?

Grape must is the mixture of crushed grapes that contains juice, skins, seeds, and stems, which is used in the winemaking process. Among its components, water is present as juice and provides the primary solvent for dissolved substances. Tannins are naturally occurring phenolic compounds found in grape skins, seeds, and stems, contributing to the mouthfeel and aging potential of the wine. Carbon dioxide can also be found in grape must, especially during fermentation, as it is a byproduct of yeast activity.

Alcohol, however, is not present in grape must at the start of the winemaking process. It is produced during fermentation as yeast converts sugars in the must into ethanol. Therefore, it does not exist in the initial grape must before any fermentation takes place, making it the correct answer to the question. Understanding this distinction highlights the transformation that grape must undergoes throughout the winemaking process, where sugars are eventually turned into alcohol through fermentation.