OXYGEN-PERMEABLE POLYETHYLENE VESSELS: A NEW APPROACH TO WINE MATURATION

Flextank Ptv Ltd. in Australia introduced a new micro-oxygenation tank where gaseous O2 is directly injected into the wine through a sinter. This type of maturation vessel is made of gas permeable high-density polyethylene. It diffuses O2 from the atmosphere into the wine similarly as in oak wine barrels. Polyethylene types for wine used in large wineries were successfully tested in pilot-plant measure. Design factors for polyethylene 1000 l maturation vessels are described in detail. Preservation of wine structure during ageing is discussed, main advantages are, apart from others, summarized in detail, e.g. substantial labour savings, no loss of wine volume, better hygiene, easy cleaning , good control of wine maturation, etc. We recommend that you consult the full test of this article, which was published in Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower and Winemaker Australia, 2005, (494) 53-57