Stainless steel tank
Stainless steel tanks: the essential reference for modern winemaking
The advantages of stainless steel tanks
Impeccable hygiene
Stainless steel vats are easy to clean and require no special stamping, unlike wooden or concrete vats.The smooth, non-porous surface prevents the development of microbiological contamination, guaranteeing optimum safety for the winemaking process.
Neutrality and watertightness
Stainless steel is totally neutral from an aromatic point of view, adding no extra flavour to the wine.
Perfectly oxygen-tight, these tanks are ideal for preserving freshness, volatile aromas and thiols, particularly in white and rosé wines.
Precise control of parameters
- Temperature control: Thanks to integrated equipment (coils, flags or external belts), stainless steel tanks provide precise temperature control, essential for delicate fermentations and maturations.
- Accessories and modularity: They can be fitted with advanced monitoring systems, such as temperature sensors or nitrogen inerting devices, limiting the risk of oxidation and preserving volatile aromas.
- Compartmentalisation: Some models include internal compartments for working by gravity, simplifying the management of individual batches or micro-vinifications.
Innovations adapted to new practices
Stainless steel vats have evolved to meet the demands of winemakers:
- Stainless steel barrels: These small, round vats are particularly well-suited to micro-vinification or ageing on lees, combining the neutrality and ease of maintenance of stainless steel with the optimisation of work on small volumes.
- Internal stirring systems : These allow you to carry out operations such as stirring the lees without having to open the vat, thereby limiting handling and the risk of oxidation.
- Modular tanks: These allow the addition of specific equipment to adapt to the different stages of vinification and ageing.
Limitations of stainless steel vats
Limited thermal inertia
Unlike concrete or wood, stainless steel has little thermal inertia, which can lead to greater temperature variations. To overcome this problem, double-walled insulated models are available, although they are more expensive.
Ergonomics and space
Cylindrical tanks can pose problems in terms of optimising space in the winery, sometimes requiring walkways or additional equipment to work safely.
Initial investment
The cost of stainless steel tanks is generally higher than that of concrete or wooden alternatives. However, their durability and ease of maintenance make them a worthwhile investment over the long term.
Applications for stainless steel tanks
Vinification : Their precision and hygiene make them ideal for all stages of vinification, from delicate fermentation to wine stabilisation.
Maturation : Stainless steel barrels offer a durable, hygienic alternative to wooden barrels, enabling quality maturation on the lees.
Storage : Totally watertight, stainless steel tanks are perfect for prolonged storage, preserving the freshness and organoleptic qualities of the wines.
Why choose stainless steel vats?
Stainless steel tanks are an essential choice for modern wineries, combining performance, precision and ease of maintenance. Whether for vinification, ageing or storage, they guarantee total control of the essential parameters while meeting hygiene and aromatic neutrality requirements.