Transport And Storage Of Wine Over Time

By Hamish Shand

History• The earliest known vessel, that was used for the

storage of wine was called the Kvevri which were buried up to there rim underground

History• The Kvevri was then replaced by the amphorae

during the bronze age (3300–1200 BC) which was used for transport while the pithos was used for storage and transportation of wine throughout the Mediterranean

History

• In some cases the pithos was used as a cheap burial coffin. The pithos would be cut in half, then the body laid inside. The pithos would then be resealed.

• The amphorae were used by the ancient Greeks and the Romans to transport and store wine, and grapes.

History

• The Romans transported their wine by sea in earthenware containers.

• The Romans learnt of barrels from the Gaul's in 3rd century AD. Barrels were used for almost 2000 years.

History

21st century storage.

• The storage of wine has become much more industralised comapred to historic methods.

• With the use of barrels still being used for higher priced wines or finishing of wines.

21st century Transport.

Main issues wineries must consider when transporting wine over long distances:

• minimising wine spoilage

• avoiding breakages

• Expense

• Convenience

• reducing energy use, and CO2 emissions

Transportation of wine in bulk.

• There are two options for processors of grapes in terms of bulk transport

1. Isotanks

2. Flexi tanks

• Both of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages.

ISO tanks

Flexitanks

Pros and cons of bulk transport

Advantages

• Transporting wine in bulk is cheaper than transporting in bottle.

• Transporting wine in bulk is more environmentally friendly than transporting bottles

Disadvantages

• Greater risk of contamination and taint to the wine.

• Spoilage. Oxidation due to defective seal on tank.

Transportation of wine in bottle

• Standard 20ft container holds approximately 13,000 bottles.

• Requires effective packaging against breakage and temperature.

• If container isn’t chilled will turn into a giant oven if left in the sun for to long.

Packaging options for bottles

• EPS

• Corrugated Cardboard

• Molded Pulp

• Formed Plastic TraysImages sourced from:http://www.winebusiness.com/wbm/?go=getArticle&dataId=62877

Some advantages and disadvantages of transporting wine in bottle

Advantages• Wine is ready for sale on

arrival at end destination.

• Convenient for the winery and the purchaser.

Disadvantages• It costs more to send bottles

than to send in bulk.

• Spoilage. Oxidation, reduction due to temperature fluctuations during transportation.

• The process of transporting wine in bottle has high energy use and CO2 emissions.

Challenges wine producers face when transporting wine over long

distances

• Temperature control of containers

• To maintain consistent product.

• Breakage

The ideal temperature for storing wine is 13˚ to 15˚C.

Temperature fluctuations can degrade the aroma, colour and flavour of the wine.

Challenges wine producers face when transporting wine over long

distances

• Oxidation

• Taint and contamination

• Re-fermentation

Moving towards the Future

• Environment and carbon foot print

• Bulk transportation

• Use of biodegradable packaging

• Emissions trading scheme

References

•  Oak (wine), retrieved August 2, 2014, retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oak_(wine)

•  Amphora’s, retrieved August 2, 2014, retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphora

•  Why good wines go bad, retrieved from, https://suite.io/alan-boehmer/zme253

• The 8,000-year effort to transport wine around the world, retrieved from http://vinepair.com/wine-blog/history-wine-transport-8000-years/

•  The history of wine part 2 - Wine storage - The early days, retrieved from http://www.snooth.com/articles/the-history-of-wine-part-ii-wine-storage-the-early-days/?viewall=1

•  The history of wine part 3 - Wine Storage – Barrels, retrieved fromhttp://www.snooth.com/articles/the-history-of-wine-part-ii-wine-storage-barrels/?viewall=1

•  A history of fine wine storage, retrieved from, http://www.finewineconcierge.com/a-history-of-fine-wine-storage

• Isotanks, retrieved from, http://www.isotanks.co.nz/

•  Tanks vs. flexi tanks, retrieved from, http://www.seacoglobal.com/tanks-vs-flexi-tanks

References

•  https://www.flickr.com/photos/65493476@N02/7512509828/

•  Alexander transport, retrieved from, http://www.gisbornewine.co.nz/regionalwineawards/sponsors/alexander-transport

•  Wineworks bulk wine transport, retrieved from, http://www.wineworks.co.nz/services/bulk-wine/

•  Goode, J & Harrop, S. Authentic wine toward natural and sustainable winemaking.

•  Robinson, J. (Ed.). The oxford companion to wine,

• http://www.uncg.edu/arc/Mochlos/shaft.html