“The solution will make it possible to monitor the fermentation process in real time without altering the product”
TECNALIA drives the SOSTWINE24 initiative to transform wine fermentation with sustainable technology
Fermentation is one of the most critical and demanding stages of the winemaking process, both in terms of the energy consumed and inputs. The idea behind SOSTWINE24 is to implement a smart control system that will facilitate decision making at wineries, by anticipating problems and optimising resources. This technology is also expected to help improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of the sector.
TECNALIA’s role will be as a technological promoter in this R&D project, which is a pioneering initiative geared towards revolutionising the methodology used to control the alcoholic fermentation process in the wine industry by using sustainable, efficient, non-invasive technologies.
The aim of the project, which will be coordinated by Intranox, in collaboration with Enkoa System, The White Team Consulting, Adegas Valmiñor and Bodegas Pradorey, is to develop a comprehensive tool based on low intensity ultrasound and advanced processing systems.
This solution will make it possible to monitor the fermentation process in real time without altering the product, thereby ensuring the quality of the wine and strengthening food safety.
Innovative ultrasound-based solution
Alcoholic fermentation is an essential process in winemaking, as it transforms the sugars in the must into alcohol and the aromatic compounds that define the sensory profile of the end product. Managing this correctly is key to ensuring the quality, stability and organoleptic characteristics of the wine. However, it is a complex process, influenced by a wide range of physical and chemical factors that can change rapidly.
- The technology developed by TECNALIA provides an innovative solution based on ultrasound and advanced data analysis, which makes it possible to monitor the evolution of fermentation in real time in a non-invasive way. This smart monitoring capability facilitates decision making at wineries, anticipates possible problems and contributes to a more efficient, safe, sustainable production process.
- TECNALIA has reaffirmed its commitment to innovation applied to the agri-food sector, by committing to technological solutions that increase competitiveness, sustainability and quality in the wine industry.
Sensitive parameters during fermentation
TECNALIA is working closely with Intranox, Enkoa and The White Team Consulting to design and develop the equipment and system to monitor the fermentation process, in conjunction with the Valmiñor and Paradorey wineries, who will validate the system at their facilities, including both the adapted assembly of the equipment and the implementation of the fermentation process monitoring and prediction system.
- TECNALIA will also take and record ultrasonic data, and collect daily samples to analyse key parameters in the laboratory, such as density and degrees Brix, among others.
- Moreover, it will carry out the preliminary processing and analysis of the signals acquired in previous phases, which will make it possible to correlate the oenological parameters of interest with the ultrasonic signals and monitor the evolution of the wine during fermentation in a real-world environment.
SOSTWINE24 has the institutional backing of key entities such as the Spanish Wine Federation (FEV), the Spanish Wine Interprofessional Organisation (OIVE), the Wine Technology Platform (PTV), the Galician Food Cluster (CLUSAGA) and Vitartis, among others.
*With the support of CDTI Innovación through Next Generation EU funds, as part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.
*After an initial laboratory research phase, the developments will be validated in simulated environments at the participating wineries.
