H2020 ULTRAWINE Project: Eco-innovative maceration system based on LFHP ULTRAsound technology for winemaking
- Type Project
- Status Filled
- Execution 2015 -2017
- Assigned Budget 791.359,00 €
- Scope Europeo
- Main source of financing H2020
- Project website ULTRAWINE
The work carried out was divided into 6 work packages:
WP1. Optimization of process variables and study of the effect on the microbial load of musts.
Experiments were conducted on different grape varieties to verify the extraction of polyphenolic and aromatic compounds. The influence of ultrasound on the microbial population was also studied.
WP2. Quality analysis of must and wines obtained with ULTRAWINE technology
In order to obtain results comparable to other techniques used in the sector, wine was produced using ultrasound technology and the traditional method. It was found that ultrasound significantly accelerates the extraction of polyphenolic compounds from red grape skins, primarily anthocyanins and tannins. Furthermore, ultrasound produces greater aromatic extraction and improved clarification of the treated must, compared to the traditional method of production.
WP3. Scaling and industrialization
All the information extracted from WP1 and WP2 has been used to design a versatile and effective system suitable for different types of wineries.
As a result of an exhaustive study, we identified the need to install accessories that would allow ULTRAWINE to operate efficiently 24 hours a day, safely, and without significant wear and tear on the equipment. Several improvements were implemented thanks to the validation of the technology at a partner winery.
WP4. Maximizing the impact of ULTRAWINE.
This WP has led to CE Mark certification, and we have filed patent applications in major wine-producing countries. Furthermore, during the reporting period, we have taken important steps toward OIV authorization of ULTRAWINE technology.
WP5. Dissemination and exploitation.
The actions that have been carried out and will continue to be carried out are:
- Training of the AGROVIN sales department: they must be well-prepared to provide accurate information about the technology.
- Presentation to winemakers at their own wineries, so they can learn firsthand about the technology and the possibilities it offers in their production process.
- Participation in the main forums and fairs in the sector, both national and international.
- Appearance in major media outlets, especially in specialized technical magazines in the sector.
- Social media: Comments are constantly being circulated on major social media platforms.
WP6. Project management.
We received a visit from the project manager, who was able to observe the ULTRAWINE equipment in detail at our facilities, as well as taste the wines from the latest harvest.
The coaching sessions served to acquire tools to study potential markets from a different perspective, create business strategies, and mitigate the weaknesses of the project coordinator.
Wine color is one of the organoleptic parameters most valued by consumers, as it provides information about its vinification, its evolution, and any defects it may present. Over time, due to oxidation processes, white wines evolve toward softer tones, such as golden yellow. The same is true for brightness in red and rosé wines.
The color of these wines is of particular interest due to the economic resources devoted to extracting phenolic compounds from the grape skins. These substances not only influence color but also contribute to flavor, aftertaste, and body.
Thanks to the mechanization of grape harvesting, wineries harvest a large amount of grapes in a very short period of time. The grape harvesting process has been reduced from more than two months to approximately four weeks. As a result, winemakers need tools to process all the raw materials quickly and produce high-quality wines.
AGROVIN has developed a cutting-edge ultrasound-based technique that allows for the complete extraction of the grape's polyphenolic and aromatic potential in record time without altering the organoleptic characteristics of the resulting wine.
In 2015, AGROVIN received approval from the European Commission for the ULTRAWINE project, within the framework of the Horizon 2020 SME INSTRUMENTS Phase II program.
Over the course of these two years of project work, a versatile unit has been designed and manufactured, capable of adapting to all types of wineries thanks to its two operating systems: continuous, for wineries with large facilities, or recirculating, for smaller ones. Furthermore, its construction in 50 kW modules allows the client to acquire customized equipment based on the daily quantity of red grapes.
Experiments with the final ULTRAWINE prototype have yielded exceptional results across different grape varieties and winemaking regions. Generally, for varieties with optimal phenolic ripening, only one day of maceration was required after ultrasonic treatment, while grapes without ultrasound required a maceration period of 7-8 days. All of this has been possible thanks to the optimization of both the Extraction System and the ULTRAWINE equipment during these two years of the project. The hardware, software, and cavitation cells of the ULTRAWINE device have been updated.
Training AGROVIN's sales network on ultrasound in winemaking processes and disseminating the technology have been two fundamental pillars of the project. Sales training has been carried out worldwide. Various platforms have been used for dissemination: specialized industry magazines, digital magazines, social media, national and international trade fairs, live visits and demonstrations at various wineries, and more.
AGROVIN will launch ULTRAWINE, a low-frequency, high-power (LFHP) ultrasound system designed to optimize the extraction of phenolic compounds from grape skins during the early stages of winemaking. Our innovation allows the grape maceration process to be completed in 6 hours, while current systems take approximately 4 days, with 30 times less energy consumption and the capacity to process three times more grapes. ULTRAWINE produces a high-quality must with intense color and aroma, laying the foundation for an excellent wine.
ULTRAWINE's overall goal is to launch high-performance equipment to facilitate the extraction of phenolic compounds from grape skins, based on low-frequency, high-power (LFHP) ultrasound technology, within 24 months, with the goal of selling a total of 130 units by 2021.
ULTRAWINE is a unique production system on the market that offers winemakers excellent results for several reasons:
- Time savings: With ULTRAWINE, extraction is completed in just a few hours, while maceration takes several days. Therefore, the improvement in process efficiency compared to maceration is more than evident.
- Cold extraction method: no temperature increase occurs during treatment nor hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).
- Low energy consumption: The energy consumption of an average process is estimated at 30 kWh, calculated for standard ULTRAWINE equipment, with an output power of 50 kW. Our equipment offers significant energy advantages compared to other alternatives, as it does not require refrigeration, as in cryomaceration processes (cold production is one of the most expensive processes in the food industry), or heating, as in thermovinification or flash-detente processes.
- More aromatic wines: Ultrasound allows for greater extraction of the grape's aromatic precursors. Fermenting yeasts will have better access to these compounds, transforming them into aromas highly appreciated by consumers.
- Faster clarification: Wines made from ultrasonically treated musts clarify more quickly and compactly, increasing the product's liquid yield.
- Environmentally friendly technology: no waste is generated by ULTRAWINE technology.
Thanks to all the advantages mentioned above compared to other technologies, the viability of ULTRAWINE is guaranteed. Furthermore, its application in sectors other than wine (such as flavored beverages) is already being considered due to the excellent extraction of aromatic compounds using ultrasound.
- PRODUCTOS AGROVIN SA
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