Page 20 - Grapevine SeptOct 2021

In The Winery

chase Everclear™ and use it directly from the con-
tainer or with a spray bottle. Research has shown
that 100% Everclear™ may actually embalm a
bacteria or yeast allowing it to become active later
when it is a proper media for growth and regener-
ation. When using alcohol, blend the Everclear™
with 30% water to make the application more
lethal to a larger spectrum of microbes.

Sanitation versus Sterilization

Sanitation is a cleaning operation with a bacteria
killing agent that will reduce the microbial popula-
tion but it may not eliminate the complete bacte-
rial load. This reduction may be enough for prod-
uct stability at certain points of the production.
Sterilization is the complete “kill” of all microbes
and it is recommended for the bottling equipment,
at bottling, to insure the product will remain bacte-
rially stable.

Summary

With proper use of water, high ph cleaners, low
ph cleaners, sulfur dioxide, 70% ethanol, steam and
a medium grade oxidizer, the author believes great
wines can be made, bottled and stored soundly if
unsanitary conditions are not allowed to get ahead
Winemaking Consultant of the winemaker and the cellar staff. If a certain
microbe or microbes are allowed to become estab-
Thomas J. Payette lished, the winemaker may need to review other
“Winemaker of the Year” more pronounced sanitation measures for several
years to come. After several years it is possible to

Over 25 Years Experience have the winery back to a state where one can go
back to the normal sanitation measures. The sim-
ple message here: Don’t let your winery get dirty.
Tom Payette, a premier
hands on and analytical An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure
winemaking consultant, or a little time now will save you a lot of time later.
serves clients throughout Keep up with your sanitation – it is worth it!
the United States.

From the construction
of your business to the
cork in your bottle to
your consumers.

Call Thomas or check
his website for more
information...

Phone: 540-672-0387

www.winemakingconsultant.com

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