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What do you really need in a winery lab?

Presented by:

Flory Bosa Bosagrape Winery Supplies Ltd. 6908 Palm Avenue, Burnaby, BC Tel: 604-473-9463 Fax: 604-433-2810 info@bosagrape.com www.bosagrape.com
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What do you need in a winery lab?

What do you really need in a winery lab?


Lab

What do you need in a winery lab?

Bosagrape Winery Supplies

Table of Content
Why test anything? Assumptions/Comments In vineyard/field/orchard General Considerations At the winery Future considerations

What do you need in a winery lab?

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Why test anything?


No oenology degree or science background OK Explain what equipment is needed Follow the journey of the fruit as it makes its way to the bottle Each winemaker has specific concerns or areas of interest. Intended for a basic lab, not all inclusive
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Why test anything?


FOLLOW THE JOURNEY ROLE OF WINEMAKER Help the fruit along to make best end product possible. Winemaker has many tools available

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Why test anything?


FOLLOW THE JOURNEY ROLE OF WINEMAKER WHY DO YOU NEED A LAB? A lab is a tool establish where you started allow you to make informed decisions monitor your progress and confirm your achievements.
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What do you need in a winery lab?

Why test anything?


FOLLOW THE JOURNEY ROLE OF WINEMAKER WHY DO YOU NEED A LAB? FANCY LAB = FANTASTIC WINE? The best equipment is no guarantee Knowing how to interpret the results What action to take is important
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What do you need in a winery lab?

Assumptions/ Comments
PRODUCTS, INGREDIENTS AND EQUIPMENT ARE NOT ALWAYS WINE SPECIFIC Products are manufactured for other applications Example: Citric Acid Some degree of knowledge needed your responsibility to use the products correctly
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Assumptions/Comments
EQUIPMENT NOT WINE SPECIFIC A GOOD BOOK Many available. Example: CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF GRAPES AND WINE: TECHNIQUES AND CONCEPTS BY PATRICK ILAND, ET ALL. Learn proper lab procedures Understand what tests measure how to troubleshoot your equipment and some helpful hints. Much of the information today is from the Chemical Analysis book

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Comments
We all dream of the magic box that does everything Technological innovations created multifunctional products. Now more affordable, smaller in size, perform a larger range of tests Best suited for repetitive testing Examples: Hanna HI901 a complete analytical titration system OenoFoss considered the worlds smallest FTIR interferomenter Reflectoquant
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Comments
Consider # of samples rather than # of litres Wine Business Monthly July 2006 Units still need calibration and maintenance Ensure that units meet your needs Confirm availability of maintenance and technical support becoming more affordable but still a large lump sum purchase. Basic chemistry products have not changed in years and are trouble free if you follow the proper protocols. In the meantime we will look at the equipment required one piece at a time.
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In the vineyard
Whether you are a vineyard owner or prospective buyer you will want to measure the progress of your fruit. There are 3 basic measurements. #1 SUGAR BRIX # 2 Ph # 3 Acid
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In the vineyard * Sugar


The measurement of total soluble solids in grape juice gives an indication of the sugar concentration and grape ripeness. A refractometer is used when the fruit is still in the vineyard before the presence of any alcohol. Options are an optical refractometer or a digital refractometer
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General Consideration #1
MORE MONEY DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN BETTER The two different refractometers are a good example of financial choices available when setting up a lab. Both models will provide a brix reading but the speed and convenience will differ

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General Consideration #2
AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE COMPENSATION (ATC) Testing equipment is calibrated to give results at a particular temperature usually 20C If the sample is not at the ideal temperature a manual correction factor needs to be applied Purchase equipment with ATC feature. ATC option is widely available and well worth.

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General Consideration #3
SCALE RANGE BUY WHAT YOU NEED Testing equipment is meant to cover a specific range of results. A basic refractometer covers from 0 32 brix. Appropriate for most winemakers Ice Wine makers need a range of up to 50+brix Know your expected result range and buy only what is required

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In the vineyard - *ph


A good ph meter is probably the most important piece of equipment in a lab It is used throughout the winemaking journey ph manipulations are standard winemaking procedures. Options: Handheld v/s Benchtop

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In the vineyard - *ph


Handheld meters are economical and portable but as their name states you do have to hold them. Benchtop meters advantages: An arm that holds the ph electrode and separate temperature probe Usually more precise accuracy specifications (+/-.01). anticlogging electrodes Often sold as a bundle with magnetic stirrer and reagents current ph meters have digital readouts and ATC.

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In the vineyard - *ph


For accurate ph results keep the sample in motion by hand or via a magnetic stirrer A stir bar retriever prevents the temptation to fish out the spin bar immersed in reagents Spare spin bar often lost or flushed down the sink. Use plastic beakers for buffers and wine samples to avoid breaking the glass electrode
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In the vineyard - *ph


METER MAINTENANCE Ph meters require care and attention Electrode needs to be rinsed using a wash bottle with distilled water Cleaning solutions and storage solutions Replace electrode every 2 3 years.

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General Consideration #4
CALIBRATING EQUIPMENT All lab equipment needs to be calibrated Calibrate against known standards Ph electrode readings must match ph buffers Calibrate by repeating the same test with the same sample under identical conditions Repeatability
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General Consideration #4
CALIBRATING EQUIPMENT Send a wine sample to a lab and compare your results to theirs and adjust your equipment or confirm your procedures Titrivin ampoules are incontestable ultimate reference standards for occasional calibrations

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General Consideration #5
REAGENTS:
SHELF LIFE Most reagents have specific shelf lives Example ph buffers, replace often Extend the life of oxygen sensitive reagents by repackaging them to smaller containers Buy sample bottles plastic or glass

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General Consideration #5
REAGENTS: SHELF LIFE STORAGE Store light sensitive reagents in a dark cupboard or wrapped in aluminum foil. Store temperature sensitive reagents in the fridge or as requested
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General Consideration #5
REAGENTS: SHELF LIFE STORAGE NORMALITIES Different normalities (N/Litre) = levels of concentration. Different normalities affect the stability of the reagents, shelf life, hazmat potential and the amount required to perform a test. Use the correct requested normality for each test Substituting different reagent normality is sometimes possible but adjustments are required to the formulas
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General Consideration #5
REAGENTS: SHELF LIFE STORAGE NORMALITIES GRADE Use only reagents intended for lab work Example - hydrogen peroxide
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What do you need in a winery lab?

In the vineyard - *acid


BASIC METHOD Measure the concentration of acid (TA) as stated in gm/Litre Basic method titration with colour indicator Results are subject to personal color interpretations Not recommended for wineries.
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In the vineyard - *acid


BASIC METHOD USING A PH METER Titrate to 8.2 to get a formal end point. Supplies: a beaker to hold the wine sample, a way to measure the sample of wine (pipet) and a way to dispense the .2N sodium hydroxide. Dispensing options are a 1. pipet and pipettor, or a 2. buret assembly Buret assembly: a stand, a buret, a buret clamp and a thistle funnel. number of samples to be tested and your manual dexterity determine your dispensing option Best investment buret assembly Auto burette dispensers more expensive option

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In the vineyard - *acid


BASIC METHOD USING A PH METER MINITITRATTOR Units specifically designed for rapid and accurate analysis of TA. Example the Hanna HI84102 minititrator c/w peristaltic pump provides
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General Consideration #6
HOW MANY HANDS DO YOU HAVE? Lab work = babysitting equipment Tests take time need a lab timer Multitasking in a lab is essential Making the best use of your time sometimes means investing in a piece of equipment that gets the job done while freeing your hands to do something else.
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At the winery *sugar


Replace efficient refractomer with fragile hydrometer 3 scales: Brix (Balling)/ Specific Gravity (SG)/ Baume Most popular is brix scale. Hydrometers have different ranges The narower the range the easier to read Hydrometers are certified and calibrated at a set temperature. Invest in a thermohydrometer (combination hydrometer and thermometer) and make your life easier.

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At the winery *sugar


Spare Hydrometers needed Hydrometer cylinder options Dedicated clear cylinder or use a glass graduated cylinder. Graduated cylinder serves double duty Clear cylinder easier on the eyes.

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At the winery *sugar


Wine thief most efficient way to obtain a wine sample. Option: 3 piece plastic wine thief Option: glass wine thief in assorted lengths and angles Wine samples are needed for testing and for tasting Decorative wine thief add show to promotions
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At the winery *Temperature


Temperature - thermometer Temperature readings are critical factors both in the winery and in many lab procedures. Shield with a stainless steel casing to minimize breakage.

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At the winery *Acid


Use testing procedure mentioned earlier Acid testing during fermentation yields higher titratable acid value Sample needs to be degassed ie. Remove CO2 Option #1 a filtration flask, a stopper and a vacuum pump. Option #2 Boil sample (microwave).

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At the winery *Ph


Ph testing you have all that you need.

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At the winery *SO2


SO2 (Sulfur dioxide) is added to the wine to prevent oxidation and/or spoilage. Total SO2 amount can be recorded Free SO2 needs to be tested to be determined Allow 2 hours after the time of any SO2 addition before testing for free SO2. Time allows the free and bound SO2 to equilibrate.
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At the winery *SO2


The efficiency of the SO2 additions is largely based on the ph value. Example: A lower ph wine will utilize the SO2 addition more effectively Check ph before determining the amount of SO2 to add.

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At the winery *SO2


To measure SO2 use an aspiration method Aspiration refers to the notion that a stream of air passes through the acidified sample releasing the free SO2 and removing it into another form that can then be tirated to be measured. Option # 1 the basic method Option #2 the improved method. Both options consist largely of glassware apparatus sold as a package. Need: specific reagents, a source of power (venturi or vacuum pump), a timer and optional flowmeter
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General Consideration #7
Many tests need some type of power to run. Option #1 Venturi method -water from the tap & sink economical, All labs should be equipped with running water - readily available Use a quick disconnect to switch from one assembly to another Inconsistent water flow and not enough pressure are very common problems especially for wineries using wells. Option #2 Electric vacuum pump. Speed regulator control and maintain the flow at a constant rate.
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General Consideration #8
Flowmeters can improve the accuracy of lab results. Use flowmeter to measure flowrate and coordinate with the vacuum pump to achieve a specific flowrate. For example, The suggested flowrate for the aspiration method is 1 litre per 15 minutes. Accuflow makes a combination flowmeter, electric vacuum pump and timer if you want to purchase the whole package at once.

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At the winery *SO2


Improved method measures free and total SO2 Condenser adds to the cost Test for total SO2 to confirm records and issues with multiple workers duplicating dosage Professional labs use multiple units concurrently with the same sample. Hint: Use a blue pipet bulb to blow through the apparatus to release any gases that are trapped in the condenser.
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At the winery *SO2


Ripper method is another way to measure free SO2 Not as accurate as the aspiration method. Chemetrics Titrets are based on ripper chemistry Chemetrics Titrets are widely used by consultants to obtain a quick estimate of the concentration of SO2 and to ensure that the additions of S02 reacted as expected. Titrets are convenient glass ampoules with premixed reagents that react instantly when exposed to air and the juice sample. Caution: The experience factor for detecting colour changes accurately can not be denied especially when dealing with reds.
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At the winery *SO2


Automatic titrators such as the Hanna HI84100 are a convenient way to determine free and total sulfur dioxide. Ensure accurate dosing and repeatability. Unit performs all calculations Results are conveniently displayed Automatic titrators can make lab work much less labour intensive.
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At the winery *YAN


Yeast Available nitrogen (YAN) is the measure of two compounds ammonia and free amino nitrogen. Low levels of Yan can produce hydrogen sulphide, sluggish or stuck fermentation. Additions of fermentation aids are often dependent on the YAN value Determining YAN is usually not within the capabilities of a simple lab as complex equipment such as spectrophotometers or HPLC are required.
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At the winery *YAN


Options manual titration Concern: Safety issues Most small labs are not equipped with fume hoods and do not have proper handling equipment or lab procedures to handle this safely. For example, one of the required reagents is formaldehyde and it is classified as a known human carcinogen.
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General Consideration #9
SAFETY Sometimes we forget that we are handling dangerous goods and performing some risky procedures. Get caught in the doing and forget. Have you ever used your mouth to draw liquid into a pipet when a pipettor would be safer? Sometimes we do not realise the potential dangers.
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General Consideration #10


SAFETY A lab needs a dedicated space with: a good level surface, good lighting, excellent ventilation proper dedicated storage area for reagents And water source Use extreme care during testing procedures and handling reagents. Avoid breathing the vapours (use a respirator) Avoid contact with eyes and skin (use safety glasses and gloves) Keep kimwipes handy for spills. Know all applicable regulations for your area for proper disposal Keep a book with all the MSDS sheets.

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At the winery
We have covered: Brix Temperature Acid Ph SO2 YAN maybe beyond our scope, manually dangers, new titrattors may solve issues

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At the winery *VA


Volatile Acidity in wine that represents acetic acid (vinegar). Acetic acid does boil off when heated. High VA is bad Measure using a cash still assembly Glassware, heat source and reagents

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At the winery
Fermentation and beyond Residual sugar clinitest or rebellein Alcohol testing ebulliometer v/s macro distillation Malolactic testing Paper Chromatography Turbidity/Bentotests Stability protein, cold and heat

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General Consideration #11


Labware Glassware & Plastics What to choose basics v/s procedure specific Volumetric flasks, Burettes, Erlenmeyer and Filtration Flasks Graduated Cylinders, Beakers, Measuring cups Pipettes volumetric and measuring/serological Cleaning liquinox, brushes

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General Consideration #12


WINEMAKING BOTH ART AND SCIENCE trials v/s recipe Often decisions as to what products to use and at what rate are not clear cut. The results of your lab work will provide you with guidance to help you decide the next step. Trials take time but my belief is that trials are one of the defining moments for the winemaker. This is when he can make an imprint on his wine as he combines the science aspect of the procedure and the art aspect of the senses (nose, eyes and palate).
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General Consideration #12


To perform trials you must ensure that you compare the different samples in same sized containers. A lid such as a watch glass or parafilm will keep the fruit flies away and/or preserve the bouquet of the wine. Need a lab scale.The scale you choose depends on your degree of precision (decimal place) required
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Future Considerations
. What do you really need in a winery lab? TIME At the beginning farming out some of the tests until you get familiar with everything is worth it. Sometimes the ease of sending samples to a lab end up delaying an equipment purchase decision which may turn out to be costly. The number of samples, how quick you need your results, how many hands you have, costs and accuracy of results should help evaluate any future purchase decisions. Know when to ask for help. Consider hiring a lab assistant to perform some of the tests Not everything is needed the first day. You can upgrade tools as money permits and experience dictates.- Learn what you can live with and what you cant stand. Future considerations can be in the form of doing the same tests in a more efficient matter or by doing testing that was not available in the lab before
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I invite you to visit our booth to view some of the items I discussed. I want to take this opportunity to thank the many manufacturers who allow us to be their product representatives. Today we would like to thank Hanna Instruments especially for coming out and providing technical support to Bosagrape, your local Hanna distributor. Flory Bosa Bosagrape Winery Supplies Ltd. 6908 Palm Avenue, Burnaby, BC Tel: 604-473-9463 Fax: 604-433-2810 info@bosagrape.com www.bosagrape.com

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