Selective extraction and modifcation of tannins for improved sustainability in wine production

Demand for lower-cost controlled wine production has led to an increase in the use of oak-replacement products. These allow fine-tuning of flavour profiles, aid stability and accelerate aging, replacing traditional oak barrels which are expensive and unsustainable. PJH has developed novel superheated water technology that allows precise manipulation of the chemical properties of water that aims to replace current multiple cycle extractions which have notable economic and environmental drawbacks. This 9 month study will assess the feasibility of selectively extracting multiple materials from various wood sources, producing bespoke tannin blends that provide the desired structural and flavour impacts to wine producers. Objectives include: design of process conditions protocols for rapid, reliable & selective extraction; single cycle methodology; product (sample) validation; process/technology scale-up assessment; and economic appraisal. Collaboration with a leading tannin powder provider will provide industrial steering to the project and support next stage developments and commercialisation anticipated 2015.