Protection of fine wines: dehumidification in wine cellars
In the production of wine, the climate values in the vaulted cellars have to be optimal. After all, the fine wines shall be provided the best conditions during fermentation and barrel-ageing.
A reliable partner for fermentation and ageing: the stationary all-rounders
The different temperatures at which the wines are fermented are usually set by the winemaker via the thermostats integrated in the tanks. But the use of dehumidifiers is still indispensable. If the humidity level is low, particularly red wines can develop in the best way. Furthermore, a drying device is able to fight condensation efficiently. Trotec has a series of high-performance drying devices on offer, which can be applied for different needs. Particularly the mobile dehumidifiers of the TTK-S series and the stationary solutions of the DH-VPR+ series are powerful helpers on a vineyard. An additional advantage: they ensure optimum conditions during labelling and packaging of the bottles and help to quickly make the cellar ready for use again after cleaning.
A perfectly cultivated vine, gentle processing and special intuition form the basis of the production of the best wines. The climate values in the wine cellar play an equally important role. For wines can only develop ideally and achieve an excellent quality if the temperatures are precisely adjusted and the humidity level is constant. This is why more and more producers and expert winemakers make use of dehumidifiers – ideally throughout the whole production process. Because in all areas, humidity values must not be too high. This applies to the rooms where the fermentation tanks are located, to the vault where the fine wines are ripening in barrels, to the area where the bottles are labelled, as well as to the stock. Particularly in the vault cellar, the humidity level is generally very high. This promotes condensation, the formation of mould and germs, musty odours that can be transmitted on the wines, and bad working conditions due to slippery floors.
Every good wine has its demands. This applies to white wines, and in particular to red wines. That is why every type of wine requires a specific temperature for an optimal fermentation. For this purpose, winemakers often use temperature-controlled tanks, allowing every wine to develop under the ideal climate conditions. But particularly in cases when white wines, which are naturally fermented at lower temperatures, are bottled at an earlier stage and the remaining red wines undergo a temperature increase, there is a high risk of condensation. If nothing is done to prevent this, the consequences may not only include damages to the tanks but also the formation of mould and germs in the vault.
Permanent solution
In order to perfectly manage the recurring process of bottling it is advisable to choose a permanent solution for the dehumidification of the air in the cellar. The stationary high-performance dryer of the DH-VPR+ series are top-class helpers in this process. They offer an effective humidity protection for the valuable, technologized tanks and the precious content of the barrique barrels. For the humidity level also needs to be lowered while the fermented wine is ageing in the oak barrels. Only then can the wine emit water molecules through the wood into the air and, while the barrels are filled up deliberately, develop a high-quality consistency. Providing a dehumidification performance of more than 50 litres per day, the dehumidifier DH 30 VPR+ from Trotec, as an example, protects your white and red treasures stored in the barrels – in a particularly pleasant way. For many models of the DH-VPR+ series can be wall-mounted and their elegant design is available in a range of different colour and material options. For demanding operations even at low temperatures!
The mobile helpers of the TTK-S series: always on the spot where humidity hinders work
Once the full-bodied wines have been filled into the bottles after a successful ageing process, some more sensitivity is required. Because a fine wine deserves a perfect look. Everyone knows that especially the modern self-adhesive labels hardly stick on wet glass. In the worst case, they peel off immediately. The use of a dehumidifier is a worthwhile solution in this case since the bottles no longer have to be manually prepared for labelling, which would require a great deal of effort.
The best conditions in next to no time
A mobile dehumidifier can be used for labelling, creating the most favourable conditions in a trice. The models of the TTK-S dehumidifier series from Trotec, such as the TTK 355 S with its powerful 1.07 kW compressor, are designed for changing applications in rough conditions and therefore serve as true all-rounders in wine production. They also do a good job in the storage of wine boxes and protect them from soaking and from mould formation. Besides their high level of performance and their extremely robust design, they impress in particular with their high durability. This is why they are also perfectly suited for drying the vaults after cleaning. The cleaned cellar can thus be entered again safely within a short time. Thanks to the practical castors and the compact housing these power packs can be positioned at every place in the wine cellar without difficulty – wherever a strong dehumidifier is needed.
Assured quality due to controlled humidity reduction
Please remember: reducing the humidity in the vaults is indispensable for the quality of your wine. But an excessive humidity reduction can cause damages as well. If the water in the wine stored in the wooden barrel evaporates too quickly, an excessive amount of vinegar will form. It is important to ensure a balanced humidity reduction, even during storage of the wines. Otherwise, the corks may dry out and start to leak. In order to make sure that you are always on the safe side when it comes to reducing the humidity in your wine cellar, our consultants at the Trotec industrial service are on hand with help and advice.
Dehumidification in wine cellars
standard equipment
optionally available
not available
