Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/705606
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m J u l y - A u g 2 016 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 4 3 the difficulty associated with clean- ing and/or sanitizing, and that the material is leak prone. It is, how- ever, less expensive compared to other materials. Once an extremely common "Old World" material, concrete tanks are regaining a place in the winery. These types of tanks fell out of favor based on the increased calcium leaching from direct con- tact with the cement. Today's concrete tanks aren't fabricated from the same materials as those widely used in the 1970s, says Zoecklein. These new tanks are less expensive than stainless, he notes, and the material has dif- ferent heat transfer characteristics. Cement is typically perceived as being tough to clean and sanitize; however, the availability of improved tank materials and coatings has caused winemakers to reconsider concrete tanks. Some are doing so enthusiastically. Those who use winery and can hold larger quanti- ties. But it also rapidly transfers heat and can transfer light and oxy- gen, which can affect the wine. " T h e p r i m a r y a d v a n t a g e [ o f plastic or fiberglass] is cost," says Zoecklein. "The disadvantage is that they may not be suitable for long-term aging due to oxygen transmission. The price per gallon is less than with concrete or stain- less steel." MAKING SELECTIONS T h e t a n k m a t e r i a l s e l e c t i o n is ultimately determined by the style of wine and methods the w in em a ke r i n t e nd s t o e mp l oy, s a y s G e r h a r d Z i e m e r, r e g i o n a l sales manager at Artisan Barrels & Tanks, which sells a range of stainless steel, concrete and oak products. He sees concrete used in boutique settings for reserve or other top-tier wine production. concrete appreciate less heat loss and a microoxygenation effect. Another "in" material is terra- cotta or clay, which are shaped into amphorae. Although these are typically of such a size that smaller batches can be processed, winemakers using these materials praise it for its ability to breathe, saying it imparts a "live" quality to the wine and lets the entire charac- ter of the fruit express itself. (See "A New Heyday for Clay," March/ April 2016.) Stainless is a common tank material, lauded for its impervious construction. In addition to being leakproof, it can be easily cleaned and made into larger sizes. But winemakers describe the wines spending time in these tanks as having an inert or sterile quality. Finally, there's the material of the modern age: plastic or fiber- g l a s s . I t 's i n e x p e n s i v e , e a s i l y cleaned, easier to shift around the Albrigi from ColloPack The closer you get, the better it looks • Multiple unique features inside and out provide distinct advantages. Bright annealed finished stainless steel, rolled and polished seams, pickled and passivated surfaces for ease and efficiency of cleaning. • Superior quality in every detail and unmatched aesthetic appearance. • 25 year warranty on material defects and workmanship. Nothing else like it in the industry. 171 Camino Dorado Ave, Napa, California 94558 • 707.258.3940 • www.collopack.com