Cool Control- Temperature Control For Great Wine & Cider
A signification consideration in the processes of producing wine and cider is temperature control. To achieve the desired end product, temperature control has to be carried out effectively and the having advanced equipment can help producers tenfold. In this blog post, we look at why temperature control is so important, how it is applied for producers in the wine industry and how it is applied for producers in the cider industry.
The importance of temperature Control
At the very heart of wine and cider making is the ability to maintain the exacting conditions time and time again, to create a product which is great tasting. The amazing biochemical processes that are relied upon in the industry are very exacting. The ability to control the temperature is a critical parameter in this, in order to maintain that special flavour.
In the wine industry:
There is a great importance on accurate temperature control in the wine making industry. It offers the ability to manage consistency, qualities, and aromas that characterise the wines of the UK. It is important to control temperature at a tank level; this can be achieved by a cooling system. Temperature control is key to many processes in wine production and the Vitikit system includes the following functions:
- Fermentation temperature control
- Cold settling of must
- Wine chilling prior and during carbonation
- Malolactic fermentation – Vitikit offers a dual heater and cooler option
- Fermentation temperature control
- Cold stabilisation
- Product storage temperature control.
In the cider industry:
For UK cider makers, temperature control is used to manage consistency, quality and to chill the product prior to carbonation. Temperature is often managed at tank level, often using a chilling system. To summarise, a temperature control system such as that available from Vitikit involves:
- Fermentation temperature control
- Management of product storage temperature
- Product chilling prior to (and for effective) carbonation.
Equipment for expansion
As your winery or cidery expands, your current chiller system may need a professional upgrade in order to keep up with cooling requirements. If you find yourself in the position where you have outgrown your current set-up, then you should have a look into industrial chilling units. These units can help your business meet peak demands. Industrial chillers are an efficient method to cool and maintain temperatures.
As a leading manufacturer and exporter for the beverage industry chilling systems, we have sold complete systems to many brewers, cider makers and wine makers all over the world. Whether you are any of these, regardless of whether you are big or small producers, we can help supply you with advanced systems to help improve your products.
Coolsoon Chillers
Vitikit works with Coolsoon Chillers, an established provider that has 16+ years in industrial cooling equipment. Coolsoon strives to consistently deliver the very highest standards of quality in water and glycol chillers to the beverages sector. We have also worked with other industries to provide cooling needs and encourage you to get in touch with any questions. We will be happy to help find a solution to your problem.
Our specialist engineers are highly qualified and install the chiller units themselves, to see that you’re all set up correctly. Normally one of the wide ranging standard models is sufficient for our clients needs and can be found in our specification table. Please ask if you would like to see the table. We know sometimes a one size fits all approach is not the best solution and our unique relationship with Coolsoon means we can provide customised chillers to meet your individual needs.
Our Temperature Controllers
Not only do we supply chiller units, but here in Devon we produce the systems that are tailored to your chiller needs. During the last 18 months, through covid enforced lockdowns, our V-Brew engineers were busy designing a new temperature control system. This product works with the Coolsoon chillers or an existing system you might already have. Our unique system uses a cold liquor tank to manage the temperature of a number of jacketed fermentation or carbonation tanks.
The basis for the technology is the computerised management system, which is a flexible and automated PLC control panel. It uses a user-friendly Weintek touch screen human-machine interface for users to interact with. The system also has advanced monitoring capabilities, which can allow for real time temperature monitoring with all conditions plotted live on graphs and records to be saved at the end of each cycle. The Vitikit system has the following features:
- Energy efficiency
- Cost effective
- Fully automated
- Scaled and customised to clients’ needs.
In summary, refrigeration plays a major role at almost every step in the process of producing wine and cider. Although different methods are used throughout, the impact can be seen in the final products. An understanding of how temperature can affect the delicate biochemical processes is important in the success of the product.
Temperature Control Systems From Vitikit
If you wish to discuss the needs of your business, please do not hesitate to contact a cooling engineer at Vitikit Limited. Alternatively, send an email to info@vitikit.com. We are keen to help work through the hurdles to help you produce consistent and delicious cider and wine. Our team are here to discuss your current set-up and how you can improve your products in the future, so get in touch with our experts at your convenience.