Skin contact is a technique used in the making of white wines where by the grapes are allowed to macerate (in the press or a bespoke vat) before being pressed and before the fermentation starts. The aim is to bring out flavours which the more straightforward process of direct pressing (as soon as the picked grapes arrive). Opponents in the New World argue maceration can cause the grapes to lose to vital assets like freshness and acidity. See Denis Dubourdieu.