The Sodastream for winemaking...
The inventors of this device claim that it will revolutionise the winemaking industry. Called the 'Miracle Machine' this contraption literally turns water into wine (with a few additions), in around 3 days.
The inventors of this device claim that it will revolutionise the winemaking industry. Called the 'Miracle Machine' this contraption literally turns water into wine (with a few additions), in around 3 days.
We would probably argue that it never will replace winemaking as a profession, just like Nespresso hasn't caused a sudden loss of jobs in the barista market.
Check out the full article: The Miracle Machine uses the magic of science to turn water into wine for £1.20 a bottle
The inventors are looking at crowd funding this project so you could be one of the first miracle makers in your village!
Winemaking 2.0: Optical grape sorting
Well this is pretty cool tech. Basically some German scientists have developed a machine/software that can identify the sugar content of grapes using the various optical properties related to sugar levels, and then sort them correctly for wine production.
Well this is pretty cool tech. Basically some German scientists have developed a machine/software that can identify the sugar content of grapes using the various optical properties related to sugar levels, and then sort them correctly for wine production. This could be a great way for Australian wineries to increase productivity, whilst still maintaining quality - when it has been proven and ready for production.
"After the scan, the system's software takes over. Based on its analysis of the colors of individual items on the belt, it controls air jets that blow bad grapes and detritus off the belt and sorts the remaining berries into grades for production of various qualities of wine."
Read the full article Optical Technique Sorts Grapes for Wine Quality
Swapping stainless for concrete?
If you have been following our blog, you should have seen the post we put up earlier about natural wine. As a follow up, a new trend (or maybe anti-trend, it's so hipster) has been to use porous concrete wine vats, instead of the traditional stainless steel.
If you have been following our blog, you should have seen the post we put up earlier about natural wine. As a follow up, a new trend (or maybe anti-trend, it's so hipster) has been to use porous concrete wine vats, instead of the traditional stainless steel.
"It's about coming back to the beginning,” [Bartier] says. “To revolve back to what is correct and traditional is to go back to the original vessel for winemaking, earthen pots buried in the earth. This is not technology at all. It’s anti-technology."
For what it's worth, being "traditional" doesn't necessarily equate to being good, and that's something worth considering. If the quality is kept under control, there's no reason why concrete wine vats can't produce excellent quality wine. Then there's hygiene...
"The giant tanks are not lined with anything on the inside. The rough, stony surface is constantly in contact with the aging wine, and that surface is home to a world of yeast and bacteria."
If you understand what is going on in your tanks, and what strains of bacteria are present, then this may be beneficial to your final product. We like to think that as wine is a publicly consumed drink and that equates to maintaining high standards of hygiene so as to reduce negative contamination.
What are your thoughts? Keen to try some natural wine?
**Update**
So the boffins in the lab have said that you just need to treat the cleaning of your concrete eggs like you would your oak barrels. So if you wanted to keep your concrete vats clean, apply your oak cleaning regime to them! If you don't have an Oak Regime, then why not chat with us and we can help you develop a sustainable cleaning program for your concrete or oak vessels.