SERVICES
The Process: Our process includes nanofiltration/adsorptions followed by DETOX – a proprietary media based fullflow system designed for eliminating the ashy back-palate character. VAF Memstar method of smoke taint reduction targets aroma and taste.
VA Memstar has been at the forefront in smoke taint reduction and removal, working to help affected wineries since 2003. At that time we developed a treatment to remove all or most of the taint characters from finished wines. Since then, with each successive fire episode we have worked closely with researchers and winemakers to understand the problem better and improve our processes and results. We, and our international colleagues have helped affected winemakers in Australia, Canada and USA recover good quality, marketable product from their smoke affected wines.
The VAF Memstar process uses nanofiltration membranes to separate tainted wine into permeate and concentrate fractions. Desirable wine characters are retained in the concentrate where they are not affected by the process. The permeate is passed through an adsorbent column that selectively removes the volatile phenols which are responsible for smoke taint characters. It is then recombined with the concentrate. This continues until the taint is removed, or reduced to a level that is acceptable to the winemaker.
We have found that the process is most effective if done after fermentation and a period of maturation. At the right time, the process has given great and lasting results. As the current vintage is still in progress, there is still time to assess the extent of the problem. We have equipment from bench to full industrial scale to perform trials to demonstrate the process and give peace of mind before fully committing.
On-site Technical Information
System Flow Rate: | 1,700 – 4,000 Litres/hr |
Preferred process: | Tank to tank configuration |
Power required: | 208/240V (30 amp), 480V (20 amp) or 380V (30 amp) |
Water required: | Running water at 30 psi (minimum) |
Nitrogen required: | Single cylinder |
Minimum wine inlet temperature: | 10°C minimum. 13 – 15°C preferred |
Maximum residual suger (RS) level: | 3% (if higher, please call us) |
Min. recommended lot size: | 2,000 Litres (Use ‘Sweetspotter’ for smaller volumes) |
Glycol cooling: | Not required |
Clarity required for processing: | Racked twice, minimum |
BENEFITS
1,700 to 4,000
Litres/hour
No internal
recirculation
Minimal heat
increase
Lower treatment
pressure
On-site continuous
supervision
No heat
increase
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