Bottling flavored wine-based beverages requires special attention, especially when using the same line employed for traditional wines. These beverages, made with the addition of flavors and other ingredients such as sugars, colorants, and grape must, differ in their composition, which includes elements not allowed in classic winemaking.
One of the main concerns is the risk of flavor transfer from the flavored beverages to regular wine during bottling. In fact, recent scientific studies have highlighted the possibility that aromatic compounds may be absorbed by the materials used in bottling lines, such as seals. These materials, particularly EPDM and FKM, can retain substances like eugenol and α-ionone, which are often used in the production of flavored beverages. If these compounds are released into subsequent wines, they could pose a legal risk, as European regulations do not permit the flavoring of wine.
Cleaning the bottling lines represents a significant challenge. Although cleaning protocols are generally very strict, research shows that in some cases, they may not be sufficient to completely eliminate the absorbed aromatic compounds. Longer cleaning processes at higher temperatures can reduce the risk but do not guarantee total removal.
Experiments conducted on both pilot and industrial lines have confirmed that the absorption and release of flavors is a real phenomenon. However, the large volume of wine processed reduces the contact between the liquid and the impregnated surfaces, minimizing the risk of sensory alterations.
Despite the possibility of transfer, modern cleaning techniques and current operational conditions allow the bottling of both traditional and flavored wines on the same line while keeping risks low. This avoids the need to install dedicated bottling lines, offering clear benefits in terms of operational costs.
In conclusion, bottling flavored wine-based beverages requires preventive measures and careful management of production lines, but with the right precautions, it is possible to maintain high quality standards for both products.
Comments are closed