Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/60007
WINEMAKING Finally, the fourth Top Innovation Bottling advances include a microwave sys- tem to bring sparkling wines to room temper- ature, which lessens labeling problems. is about five sets of change parts, and for small systems about three sets. I add my own kudos to Gai's special mention; this innovation was definitely worth the wait. Award went to Gruppo Bertolaso for its Superblock automated integrated bottling system. The recognized top dog in large bottling systems has outdone itself in producing a quality control supervisor's dream machine. The Superblock monobloc offers complete traceability. That used to mean a cut-code with the bottling date. Now a unique code tracks each bottle through all phases, allowing precise determination of which filler spout, corker head and spinner position were employed in its packaging. The awards committee examined innovations too numerous to recount here, which improved product quality, enhanced functionality, productivity and safety, and decreased materials consumption. Sealed pressure filling enables use for both still and sparkling wines at room temperature—in glass as well as PET containers, with slow, controlled depressurizing to minimize foaming. Laminar filling is followed by an over-pressured inert gas injection that assures standardized fill height by blowing out excess wine. A malfunctioning valve is automatically detected and skipped by the PLC. Options include four different filler tap types (all of which are designed without springs in contact with the wine), automatically self-leveling cams and a fully automated CIP system. For those not so blessed, Microwine SRL received a special mention for its novel anti-condensation industrial heater, which uses microwave energy to rapidly and efficiently bring chilled sparkling wine to room temperature, greatly easing labeling. Viva Italia These Italian guys aren't done developing important innovations that will hit Europe decades before they reach America's shores. The one universal theme? "We're interested in looking for an American distributor." Translation: Not happening. Basic principle: Want it done right? Do it yourself. Corollary: Especially when it involves travel in Italy, your wife may not disagree on this point. My Thursday dinner in Milan wasn't Mom's cooking, but it was not at all bad. Now is the time to start approaching your family about an Italian Thanksgiving in 2013. Clark Smith is winemaker for WineSmith and founder of the wine technology firm Vinovation. He lectures widely on an ancient yet innovative view of American winemaking. You know how good your Zinfandel is... Promote your wines to leading Zinfandel enthusiasts and extend your winery's relationship in the market. Join Us! We are champions of Zinfandel— America's Heritage Wine Become part of our proud legacy zinfandel.org • 530-274-4900 Zinfandel Advocates & Producers is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. ZAP is dedicated to advancing public knowledge of and appreciation for American Zinfandel and its unique place in our culture and history. 64 Wines & Vines FeBRUARY 2012