Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/123973
SOILCOHEN & CELLAR REMI also includes pH and total acidity assays) that uses a 25 mL sample of wine, and takes only a few minutes to perform. The SC-100 costs $245, plus the reagents used in the titration. In addition to these simple autoanalyzers, some companies offer broad-spectrum auto-analyzers that perform rapid analysis of many parameters. Newer models of the Foss WineScan can be outfitted to run free and total SO 2. Foss's FIAstar is the independent SO2 analyzer for free SO2, requiring a second unit to also measure total SO 2, but processes samples in just a few minutes. 'SPEC' SPECS A spectrophotometer, often referred to as a spec, can be a critical piece of equipment for any winery that wants to perform more analyses in-house. Analyzing for malic acid, ammonia, amino acid nitrogen, volatile acidity and residual reducing sugars (glucose/fructose) are the most common uses for a spec in the winery. Methods have been developed for analysis of free and total sulfur dioxide (SO2), total phenols and ethanol, although SO 2 and ethanol analysis require additional instrumentation. A basic spec can be purchased for around $1,500, with many adequate options in the couple-thousand-dollar range, although prices can run much higher. Operating a spec requires a trained technician to perform the analysis repeatedly with accuracy and precision, including proper cell alignment and pipetting techniques. The equipment needs to maintained and calibrated, often requiring sending the same samples out to off-site labs. Protocols and reagents for different analyses are available and each requires training, and the stocking of fresh reagents. Thermo Scientific makes spectrophotometers that are commonly used in wineries. Take into consideration the cost of the enzyme kits – prices vary – when you assess the return on investment of purchasing these machines. The Danish company Foss offers two lines of routine broad-spectrum wine analyzers, OenoFoss and WineScan. The OenoFoss measures up to 10 parameters of must or wine in two minutes, using less than a milliliter of sample. It has Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) technology, which measures light absorption in the full mid-infrared wavelength range and uses mathematic modeling to determine the concentrations of various components without requiring enzymatic assays like a spectrophotometer. The OenoFoss can assay pH, total acidity, glucose/fructose, malic acid, ethanol, volatile acidity, color, tartaric acid, gluconic acid, Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN) and density. The OenoFoss, which starts at about $35,000 and is sold by Gusmer Enterprises in the United States, is ideal for medium-sized wineries. The Foss WineScan can measure NEW & USED UNITS AVAILABLE All Major Credit Cards Accepted • • • • • Low Temperature Glycol Chillers Custom Designed Cooling Applications from 2 to 100 Tons Most Machines Shipped in 2 Weeks or Less 5 Year Compressor Warranty Providing Cooling Solutions for 30+ Years • Free Technical Support 24/7/365 866-307-9731 FAX: 281-227-8404 V I N E YARD & WINERY MANAGEMENT ADDITIONAL TOOLS Other instruments that can be handy include a meter for measuring dissolved oxygen, which can be purchased for less than $1,000. A turbidity meter is useful for determining Nephelometric Turbidity Units (NTUs) prior to white-wine fermentation, and to monitor changes in turbidity during racking and filtering. One can be purchased for under $1,000; Hanna Instruments offers both turbidity and dissolved oxygen meters. Anton-Paar sells the Alcolyzer Wine M/ME, which monitors the alcohol content of wine. Adding the Carbo CO 2 analyzer creates a complete wine and CO2 monitoring system for alcohol, extract measurement and CO2 measurements. Certain compounds, including ethyl carbamate, components of volatile acidity, and certain phenolic and aromatic compounds, are measured using gas chromatography. However, only the largest wineries would even consider purchasing the equipment. For the rest, these assays can be outsourced for a reasonable fee. Remi Cohen is the director of wine- COLD SHOT CHILLERS® 38 more than 20 parameters, including determinations of grape soundness by measuring metabolites produced by spoilage microorganisms, and some phenolic parameters after extraction, and can be outfitted to run free and total SO2. The WineScan is great for large wineries; check with Foss on pricing. It's important to note that some of these auto-analyzers require that samples be centrifuged prior to running them. Centrifuges can cost $1,500 and up. www.waterchillers.com | May - June 2013 making & viticulture for Cliff Lede Vineyards in Napa Valley. Her primary areas of expertise include viticulture, sustainable vineyard management, winemaking, grower and winery relations, and strategic business development. She also writes a wine industry blog, which can be found at blog.vinestowine.com. Comments? Please e-mail us at feedback@vwmmedia.com. w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m