The harvest has begun: discover how your favorite wines are produced!

We know that making good wine takes time and dedication. From Italian vineyards to the great French chateaux, wine is a global beverage and each country has its own style depending on its climate and techniques.

Here we will discuss the importance of the industrial filter; a key piece of equipment in wine production!

The industrial filter: an essential piece of equipment for the manufacture and filtration of wines

The wine filtration process is the most important part of winemaking, but it is often overlooked. In order to obtain a quality product, the wine must go through the filtration process at least once, using an industrial filter.

Diatomite or mineral perlite have long been used at this stage, but due to its high micron rating and low cost, flocculent pulp has been a preferred alternative for several decades.

The type of filter aid used depends on the wine to be filtered and its characteristics: some wines are naturally cloudy (e.g. white and rosé wines), while others need to be clarified further, depending on their production techniques and/or the style sought (the age of the wine).

The composition and characteristics of filter aids are also varied and include quartz sand, diatomaceous earth and activated carbon.

Wine filtration with an industrial filter: the process

In order to obtain more refined and long-lasting wines, they must be filtered several times using an industrial filter. Filtering is the process of removing unwanted solid components from wine.

The first filtration

The first filtration is usually done during the crushing of the grapes, in order to eliminate the grape seeds and skins if it is a white wine.

During this process, yeast is added to the juice obtained for the fermentation that transforms the sugars present in the juice into alcohol.

Once fermentation has taken place, another filtering process may be necessary to remove the remaining solids from the wine before bottling.

The second filtration

In the second filtering process, the wine passes from a first filter bag to a second filter bag where it passes through an industrial fine mesh filter. The wine is not necessarily clear at this stage and does not need to be.

The purpose of the second stage of filtration is primarily to remove yeast, dead or suspended matter, and protein complexes that are too small to pass through the first industrial filter but large enough to create disturbances or deposits over time.

Reminder on the importance of filtration

As we all know, filtration is a very important process in the production of quality wines. Once alcoholic fermentation is complete, the wine must be clarified before it is bottled for consumption or for further maturation.

The clarification process consists of decanting yeast and other particles that have fallen to the bottom of the fermentation tank or preventing them from occurring.

Apart from the filtration through the industrial filter, what are the other stages of wine making?

The wine making process is long and takes several months from start to finish.

The five main steps of the wine making process without using the industrial filter

1. The harvest,
2. The pre-fermentation preparation and the tamping,
3. The fermentation,
4. Malolactic fermentation,
5. Maturation and bottling.

Carter Wilson offers used industrial filters that meet uncompromising standards of durability and performance

At Carter Wilson, we are committed to providing the finest used industrial filters in North America. Whether it's pressure filters, cooling and heating filters, or anything in between, our vast inventory is constantly being replenished with new parts.

To talk to quality inspection experts and get a good deal that will make a difference on your margins this year, contact us.