Moisture control

Product reduction due to storage in wooden vats

It is usual in the winemaking process, for storage to be in wooden vats. Wood is a hygroscopic material that yields moisture if the environment around it has a low %RH. This moisture released by the container, is its contents, the wine. Therefore, if barrels of wine are stored in environments without humidification control, a significant product loss can occur, which results directly in unsold product losses.

Improving quality

The quality of the wine is directly influenced by the climate around it, and the control of this climate depends on the existing processes within the wineries that give the characteristics of each batch.

One of the key conditions, to ensure success, is moisture control. Processes affected by regular moisture levels include:

  • Malolactic fermentation

The temperature and relative humidity of the air directly affect the fermentation process of the wine, as happens in malolactic fermentation (MLF) in barrels and bottles where the wine gains aroma, flavour and colour.

  • Oxidative aging

With oxidative aging in barrels, there is a desired aging of the wine, which acquires  subtleties. Controlling the humidity in the warehouse where the barrels are stored ensures the stabilization of this process.

Each type and variety of wine requires a different climatic condition, and it is this that defines the final characteristics and overall quality of each wine.

Food safety, employee conditions and building durability

Not only is the quality of the wine influenced by humidity levels inside wineries, but the structure of the buildings can be adversely affected by its lack of control.

A high moisture content, typical of cellars, encourages:

  • Proliferation of fungi and bacteria
  • Deterioration of furniture and the building itself; oxidation to appear
  • Undesirable condensation

Solution: Moisture control

A series of calculations allows us to assess the humidity in each case, so we know the amount of moisture we need to contribute or eliminate to maintain the appropriate levels and thus achieve the objective, a successful, quality wine.

Fisair offers various solutions adapted to the unique building that a winery always is. Depending on your current configuration or the design of your new building, some systems will be better suited than others.

All our systems are excellent quality and our services include advice and help with installation. Our after-sales service ensures minimal operating costs and an absence of technical problems throughout the useful life of your equipment.

An example of a successful application is the prestigious Luis Cañas wineries. At its La Rioja Alavesa facility, Fisair supplied Atomspray pneumatic spraying systems to control the moisture of its malolactic fermentation processes.

Application references

Some outstanding references:

  • Barbosa 
  • Jaume Serra 
  • Freixenet 

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