The benefits of nitrogen for wine making

If your winery uses nitrogen or CO₂, it may be worth considering an on-site nitrogen generator. While CO₂ has been popular in the past, recent shortages have led many wine makers to look elsewhere. Fortunately, nitrogen is ideal for wine making applications and can be used at various stages of production and packaging.

In this article, we explore how nitrogen is used in wine making and the benefits it can provide for wineries. We also explain the advantages of producing your own nitrogen on-site, rather than relying on third-party suppliers.

Nitrogen gas in wine making

Both nitrogen and carbon dioxide are used at various stages of the wine-making process. Unfortunately, carbon dioxide is in short supply throughout New Zealand and many wineries are looking to nitrogen as a more readily available option. Nitrogen can be used in various stages of the wine-making process:

Grape drainers

Nitrogen gas is often used in grape drainers to prevent the grape skins from trapping air and causing oxidation of the juice. By replacing the oxygen, this can prevent the loss of aroma and flavour.

Fermentation

Using nitrogen at a rate of 10 to 30 litres per minute can also be used at the end of fermentation to drop yeast out of suspension.

Sparging

During sparging, nitrogen can be used to reduce dissolved oxygen levels and maintain normal carbon dioxide levels. This precise control over carbonation levels allows you to consistently achieve the desired effervescence in sparkling wines and ensures that each bottle delivers a consistent and delightful experience to consumers.

Blanketing

Nitrogen can be used to create a protective blanket over the wine while it is stored in tanks and barrels. This displaces oxygen and minimises the risk of oxidation in the wine.

Filling barrels

Nitrogen can be used to transfer wine into barrels without the risk of oxygen contamination.

Inerting

To reduce the amount of contact with contaminants during bottling, each bottle is evacuated and flushed with liquid nitrogen. This displaces any contaminants and ensures a clean, consistent vessel for the wine.

Corking

Nitrogen is also used to displace oxygen in bottles before corking or capping. This ensures the wine quality is preserved during storage and transportation.

Extending shelf life

Replacing oxygen with nitrogen inside your wine tanks, barrels, and bottles creates an effective barrier against oxidative reactions. This prevents wine deterioration and extends the shelf life of your wine so that it always reaches your customers in premium condition.

Wine being bottled
When used in the wine bottling process, nitrogen gas creates an effective barrier against oxidative reactions which prevents spoilage.

Benefits of on-site nitrogen generation

Many wine makers are turning to nitrogen as a more viable carbon-dioxide alternative. To further cut costs and increase productivity, you can also invest in an on-site nitrogen generator and produce your own on demand.

Rather than relying on cylinders being delivered, an on-site generator produces the gas you need on the premises. They are far more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, providing you with a reliable source of gas whenever you need it. We explain the advantages of onsite generators in detail below.

Cost savings

Using an on-site generator can improve your bottom line and help your winery control its expenses by eliminating rental charges, transport expenses, and evaporation losses. This way, you can achieve significant cost savings and stop relying on an expensive third-party supplier.

Supply reliability

On-site generation ensures a continuous supply of nitrogen whenever needed, avoiding delays and interruptions caused by waiting for external deliveries. Nitrogen makes up approximately 78.08% of the Earth’s atmosphere, making it far more abundant than CO₂. While others in the industry are concerned about limited CO₂ supply, your winery can operate without delay.

Adaptability

With an on-site generator, you can adjust your nitrogen flow rates and concentrations to meet specific requirements for different stages of the wine-making process. This makes your process highly adaptable and allows you to tailor each step to your needs.

Sustainability

When using third-party nitrogen tanks, unused nitrogen is ‘blown off’ to prevent the risk of explosions. Unfortunately, this results in a lot of wasted gas over time. However, with on-site gas generation, nitrogen is produced only as required, thereby reducing waste.

Furthermore, on-site generation eliminates the need for nitrogen cylinder transport, which reduces your carbon footprint.

Increased safety

While high-pressure cylinders pose occupational risks, on-site nitrogen generators are comparatively safer for you and your employees. This not only ensures a safer workplace but also reduces the need for certain stringent protocols.

Making the switch to a nitrogen generator

Our range of PneuTech nitrogen generators offer exceptional results for both large and small-scale operations. Available in various packages, nitrogen generators are a cost-effective investment with low operating costs – ideal for wine making. At Industrial Air Systems we also offer the Nitrovin nitrogen generator, specifically designed for wineries looking for a cost-effective solution.

Nitrovin for wineries

The Nitrovin is an all-in-one nitrogen generation package designed for use in the New Zealand wine industry. With your own in-house gas supply, the Nitrovin can result in big cost savings for gas bottle rentals and delivery. Plus, with 24/7 access to nitrogen gas as required, you’re in control.

Complete with everything you need on a convenient skid-mount base that’s transported to your site, the Nitrovin makes it easy. Features of the Nitrovin include: