Vinitech 2008 in Bordeaux

A Technical Guide
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Vinitech 2008 in Bordeaux -
"A world of exchange in a changing world"

Jan Booysen
Winetech
VINITECH 2008, The World Exhibition of Vines, Wines and Spirits Equipment, and Technology takes place from 2 to 4 December at the Bordeaux-Lac Exhibition Centre, Bordeaux, France.
Since it was founded in 1977 VINITECH has steadily grown to become what is today the key exhibition for all professionals in the viticulture and wine-making sector, presenting a comprehensive selection of techniques, technological advantages and equipment and services for vine-growing, wine-making and bottling. VINITECH’s high profile also derives from the quality of high-level scientific colloquia and technical talks.
The following trends emerge at VINITECH 2008:

In vineyard management, weed control technology is not so much in the spotlight while tillage equipment is making a comeback with real improvements in the row, perfect depth and slope control. Inter-vine mowing is becoming more sophisticated and is being combined with other tools. Fungicide and herbicide spraying is adjusted to the amount of biomass to be treated.
In wine production, grape sorting has taken a major step forward thanks to high-quality imaging and automation. Filtration, particularly the deposit from must, continues to improve.
In winery, cellar and oenology, noticeable advances have been made in many areas including control of the gases dissolved in wine; control of contaminating yeast; in-cellar humidity control; yeast reactivation and the use of oenological products; controlling and removing unstable proteins in white and rosé wines with precision; cask cleaning without the need for dismantling or chemicals; easy monitoring of the spaces and wine surfaces in contact with the air in barrels with the bung on top.
In wine packaging and presentation, glass manufacturers have new offers in small bottles. Board manufacturers are offering new solutions for the packaging, presentation and shipping of bottled wines.
In environment, quantities of inputs are being reduced. There are some interesting solutions for combined winegrowing and winemaking effluent treatments.
In IT-automation, in situ analysis while hooked up to a computer is developing. Solutions now exist for the input of data and accessing of data while on the move in the winery.

For a number of years VINITECH has been awarding prizes to the most innovative products, techniques and services in the vine and wine industry.
The panel of international experts singled out 8 trophy winners and 10 commendations for the following 2008 awards:

Gold Awards
SOUSLIKOFF & CIE
Pneumatic inter-vine hoeing machine with automatic depth adjustment
This SOUSLIKOFF tool is a double winner. Firstly the clean energy is released with the air-powered withdrawal of the tool as it moves between the vines and secondly, the control of each of the two tool carriers is independent and automated.
The use of air eliminates the potential pollution associated with the lifting mechanism and also allows the operator to work in safety with no risk of burns. The compressibility of air provides for a highly manoeuvrable tool and a wide range of adjustable settings.
The depth of work is controlled via measurements of the tractive force using strain gauges; the information is transmitted to a controller, which keeps the tool at a constant depth by adjusting its electric jacks.
This system also allows for automatic compensation when working on sloping ground.
"We are witnessing a renewed interest in inter-vine groundwork. This machine has dual functionality: pneumatics to help with inter-vine work, and independent effort control for either side, which facilitates working on slopes. This represents real progress." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.

Silver Awards
BUCHER VASLIN
Optical grape sorting system
Bucher-Vaslin’s automatic grape-sorting system using image analysis removes unwanted elements from the harvested grapes at a throughput of up to 10 t/hr.
The user can set the sorting parameters according to the initial quality of the grape harvest and specific end requirements, choosing whether simply to remove foreign bodies, vegetation and immature berries, or to retain only the healthy and intact berries.
A "tufted" conveyor - designed to spread the layer of grapes uniformly - carries the grapes into the sorter, which comprises an LED-lit system with an in-line camera and an ejection mechanism (a bank of high frequency pneumatic nozzles). The software processes the images in order to detect the position of any objects to be removed from the grapes, triggering the nozzles to open just as these objects pass so that they are deflected towards a secondary waste removal conveyor, while the rest of the grapes continue on to the vinification vat on another conveyor.
"There is a growing interest in optical grape sorting (?) in the food industry. With grape sorting, the system can be set to remove debris or unripe berries, or to simply retain intact berries. This system should prove very popular with independent and co-operative wineries." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
PELLENC SA
Visionic grape sorting
Pellenc’s automatic grape-sorting system using image analysis allows unwanted elements to be removed from the harvested grapes at throughputs of up to 7 t/hr.
The user can set the sorting parameters according to the initial quality of the grape harvest and specific end requirements, choosing whether only to remove foreign bodies, vegetation and immature berries, or equally to opt for sorting between two categories of berries (for example, sorting the mature and immature berries by colour).
A band conveyor designed to spread the layer of grapes uniformly carries them into the sorter, which comprises a monochromatic lighting system, a blue background, a camera (visible light and/or visible light + infra red) and an ejection mechanism (a bank of high frequency pneumatic nozzles). The software processes the images in order to detect the position of any objects to be removed from the grapes, triggering the nozzles to open just as these objects pass and diverting them towards a waste removal conveyor. The remaining grapes can then be further separated into two quality categories as defined by the user.
"Imaging and automation have exciting applications in very many sectors. PELLENC has combined lighting, camera and computerised ejection technologies to allow undesirable material (leafstalks, leaves, debris, green or damaged berries) to be removed, or to simply retain only those berries, which are intact and well-coloured. This represents considerable progress towards ensuring quality and consistency in grapes for winemaking." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
SOFRALAB SAS
ImmunoTest: Immunological test using specific antibodies against the unstable proteins in white and rosé wines
This immunological kit for detection of unstable proteins responsible for protein breakdown in white and rosé wines can also be used to gauge the precise amount of bentonite to be added for stabilisation.
The kit comprises a set of analysis tubes containing specific grades of bentonite, the nitrocellulose reactive strips and the reagents needed for the immunological visualisation. The visualisation relies on the use of antibodies specific to the two proteins, which are always present in the deposits resulting from protein breakdown: chitinase and thaumatin-like protein. Wine treated with varying amounts of bentonite is placed on a strip. Its proteins are fixed by drying, then set to react with the specific antibodies. After reacting with a coloured substrate, a pale to dark stain indicates the presence of varying amounts of unstable proteins. The absence of a stain indicates the minimal concentration of bentonite to be used.
"In white and rosé wines, unstable proteins cause problems. It can be tricky determining the grades and amounts of bentonite needed to remove them. This easy to use and affordable immunological kit enables the 'right amount' of bentonite to be determined. The test is based on a straightforward, but highly innovative methodology." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.

Bronze Awards
AVIDOR HIGH TECH
GREENSEEKER RT220: Fungicide regulation by means of biomass analysis
For use in crop protection treatment, this system adapts the amount of fungicide applied to the vine according to the stump biomass. Mounted on a GPS-equipped tractor, Greenseeker’s discrete optical sensors assess the biomass development and variability. The data are then used to create a high-resolution map of the biomass. The RT220 model is also equipped with a control interface for sprayer output regulation. The aim is to provide real-time control of fungicide output on the basis of the biomass data received, so as to reduce the quantities of fungicide used.
"The system and its calculator can be adapted to the different GPS units and output regulators encountered in practice. The goal is to adapt the amount of fungicidal application to the biomass being treated. Fitted to a GPS-equipped tractor, its optical sensors assess the leafage and its variability and regulate the output of the sprayer." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
BARENA
The BARENA Technique: A natural way to recondition oak barrels
The technique entails barrel reconditioning via internal abrasive projection. A physical-mechanical process is used with no barrel dismantling.
"Maturing wine in barrels is an expensive process. Our aim is therefore to extend the barrel’s life span. There are already numerous barrel renovation techniques on the market, but this one is rather special because it projects the abrasive internally. That means you don’t have to dismantle the barrel, there are no chemicals involved and it uses very little water. The results, both in the lab and in the glass, are excellent." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
NEOTIC
AGREO VINS: Mobile batch monitoring module
Néotic presents new mobile information and data input tool. This device enables batch numbers to be checked and data entered right at the vat side. The tool should be a boon for anyone in the trade - for example, merchants will have the benefit of real-time information on batches they are tasting while being able to key in their data for each batch as they go along.
The unit operates in real-time and is compatible for use with all types of wireless interface (wifi, 3G phones, etc), providing a direct link to a remote database while users are on site in the winery, or even off site at customers’ premises (merchants etc).
Coupled with a barcode reader, the device can ensure reliable vat identification during operations such as tastings. It is also possible to enter data obtained from the samplings straight into the database.

"This mobile batch monitoring module enables data to be entered and transferred ‘right at the vatside’, while the wireless interface facilitates working across a number of sites. This should be of interest to winemakers, brokers, merchants and oenologists." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
VIVELYS
"La Bonde Intelligente" (Smart Bung): A gauge giving a constant reading of the level of wine in the barrel
In the maturing of wines "bung up", the headspace, air contact or ullage varies from barrel to barrel. This bung has its own gauge indicating the level of the wine and the wine/air contact area within the barrel. Simple and modestly priced, the smart bung is a very useful monitoring tool for this method of wine maturing.

Commendations
AVIF 33
INTERCEP inter-vine mowing heads
It provides under-vine maintenance in grassed down areas.
The inter-vine strimmer mowing heads can be brought much closer to the vine without generating the high level of damage generally associated with a shredder; they can also be fitted to a trimmer, thus saving valuable time as both tasks can be done simultaneously.
"This simple, lightweight equipment allows easy maintenance of the grass under the rows, with minimal damage to the vine. It can be also fitted to other equipment, for example a trimmer, etc." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
BUCHER VASLIN
Tangential filtration of the deposit from must
It caters for the versatile application of the tangential filters from the FX 1/2/3 range (independent winery model) for the filtration of must deposit and wines.
For filtering must deposits, the system operates with specific components.

A rotary drum pre-filter, with an unique automatic declogging process.
A mechanism that allows declogging of the rotary drum pre-filter.
Organic one-piece membranes (with an internal diameter of 3 mm instead of 1.5 mm).
A mechanical through-tubing system (to prevent blockages).
Operation of the unit is fully automated, with software.
The tangential filter permits the recovery of the good quality of must it from must deposits during the vinification of white and rosé wines, and represents an alternative to rotary vacuum filters for this process. Filtration is achieved without requiring the use of filtration earth. It can be performed in an oxygen-free environment. Flow rates are of the order of 40 l/h.m2 (5 to 7 hl/h for FX2 and FX3 series filters). The same filter can be used to filter wines either with or without the use of 1.5 mm capillaries instead of the membranes.
"Tangential filtration of must deposits and wines is ideally suited to independent wineries. For must deposits, Bucher Vaslin has a fully computerised rotary pre-filter with automatic declogging, organic one-piece membranes and a mechanical through-tubing system, all automatically managed using dedicated software." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
BUCHER VASLIN / AGRO ENVIRONMENT
Cascade Twin: Alternating treatment of winemaking and vine treatment effluents
One unit to handle the purification of both winemaking and spray effluents.

Purification of both winemaking and vine treatment effluents in a single unit.
A practical system that is easy to use and maintain.
The removal of heavy metals (particularly copper), thus avoiding the contamination of sludge that is to be recycled for field spreading.

"This unit means there is no need to invest in special equipment to treat spray effluents, thusess investment is required for spray effluents. This eco-friendly process is applicable both to vine treatment and winemaking effluents, and can remove heavy metals. It is practical and simple to use." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
FOSS
OENOFOSS: Oenological process monitoring application for winegrowers, merchants, wineries and oenologists
A rapid analysis system makes provision for the 6 main analytical parameters (plus colour) in wine and musts at the point of vinification.
This analysis system allows the measurement of the infrared spectrum (FTIR) of musts and wines in order to determine their main analytical characteristics (alcohol, sugar, total acidity, volatile acidity, pH and malic acid). An optional module also enables the determination of colour intensity (DO420 + DO520 + DO620).
The system comprises a compact control unit (6 parameters), which is easily transportable from site to site. Performing the analyses is extremely simple; a drop of wine or must is simply placed inside the equipment and analysis starts at the press of a button. All the parameters are analysed within 2 minutes and are recorded by a computer connected to the analysis system.
"This technology has been tried and tested in wine laboratories for more than 10 years, but this smaller and highly portable version makes it ideal for 'on-the-spot' analyses. Despite its compact size, 6 parameters can be entered and transferred to the computer." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
INOXPA France
Equipment for adjustment of dissolved gases through a hydrophobic membrane
Equipment enabling the adjustment of dissolved gases in wines.
The equipment enables dissolved gases to be adjusted via a hydrophobic membrane using a membrane contactor. The procedure can operate in either over-pressure or negative pressure environments, allowing it to be used for carbonation, carbonation removal and/or oxygen removal. This represents an innovation in the oenology sector.
"This equipment adjusts dissolved gases (CO2, O2) in wine, via a hydrophobic membrane, using a membrane contactor. It is a useful precision system." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
INTELLI’OENO - PARTEC
Method for rapid counting of Brettanomyces in wine
The Cyflow Oenolyser and the Oenoyeast kit ensure rapid counting of a wine’s yeast population, and checking the viability of a tirage starter or restarter yeasts at the end of alcohol fermentation. They are remarkably quick and easy to use. With such broad applications, this method could be an aid to the oenologist supervising the winemaking process.
MICHAEL PAETZOLD SARL
SYRUS®: Cellar humidity control equipment

Effective humidity management in a cellar is most important, particularly where barrels are used.
This system employs ultrasound to generate fine droplets, which are diffused by laminar flow.
The unit is equipped with a hygrometer unit, which provides automatic regulation without allowing the water to stagnate.

O-I
Low-cost Bordeaux bottle
A glass Bordeaux bottle, lightweight and low-cost, incorporating a high level of recycled glass and intended for bottling of entry-level wine ranges.
The glassmaker has adapted the bottle’s design and shape to enable it to be mass-produced on an existing production line, so reducing costs.
Its green colour allows a high proportion of recycled glass to be used.
"Because of its green colour, this little 25 cl glass Bordeaux bottle can include a high proportion of recycled glass, representing a cost reduction of around 20%. Useful for entry-level wine ranges in co-operatives." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant.
PARSEC SRL
CELLAR MATE: For yeast reactivation and the preparation of oenological products under optimal physiochemical conditions
This system is intended for use in the preparation of active dry yeasts, bacteria and oenological products ready to be added to the must or wine.
It comprises a mobile stainless steel tank, which ranges in size from 120 to 1 000 litres capacity depending on the model, and is fitted with a jacket for temperature control, an agitator, a temperature probe and a computerised control unit. Optionally, the tank can be fitted with a variety of sensors for the on-line monitoring of pertinent physicochemical parameters (pH, turbidity, conductivity, etc). The conical base of the tank is fitted with a valve for emptying and for connection to a system for the traditional blending of must or wine preparations (venturi, dosing pump, etc).
The control unit allows management of the physical parameters connected with the preparation of micro-organisms and oenological products: time, temperature, agitation, addition of water, must or wine. A specific programme may be set for each preparation. It is this automation, which makes the equipment so unique.
"This mixer is designed to accommodate a range of add-on functionalities, a heat-regulating jacket, agitator, temperature probe, control unit, emptying valve and connection to a traditional blending system. Useful for the preparation of yeasts and oenological treatments." - Bernard Hébrard, Vinitech Technical Consultant
SMURFIT KAPPA DISTRIBUTION
Packaging for shipping bottles of wine by post or courier
Corrugated cardboard packaging made of more than 75% recycled paper, comprising an outer case plus individual sleeves for the bottles.
The range enables 1 to 12 bottles and 1 to 6 magnums, to be transported in complete safety. Delivered ready to use, they are practical and easy to work with.
This monomaterial packaging is entirely recyclable.
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