Winetech Technical Yearbook 2022

AUGUST

SHUTTERSTOCK

WINETECH VINE AND WINE INNOVATION WATCH: TREATMENT OF GRAPES, MUSTS AND WINE WITH PULSED ELECTRIC FIELDS

WHAT IS PULSED ELECTRIC FIELD (PEF) TREATMENT? Application of short nano- to millisecond pulses of high electric field strength to destemmed and crushed grapes, musts or wine with the aim to cause permeabilisation of grape or microbial cell membranes. WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF PEF TREATMENT ON GRAPES? According to Resolution OIV-OENO 634-2020 it is: • to facilitate and increase the extraction of valuable substances such as polyphenols BY KARIEN O’KENNEDY W

in the case of red grapes, yeast assimilable nitrogen, aroma compounds including precursors, and other substances located in the grape cells, and to reduce the maceration time of red grapes. WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF PEF TREATMENT ON MUSTS? According to a Provisional Draft Resolution of the OIV it is: • to eliminate microorganisms that are present in must and during fermentation that can cause spoilage or contamination, and •

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WINETECH TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2022