II.2.2.11 Treatment of musts using adsorbent styrene-divinylbenzene beads

Definition:

Physical process of reduction or elimination of organoleptic deviations characterised as “earthy-musty” by the appropriate and controlled percolation of musts at a high flow rate through adsorbent styrene-divinylbenzene beads.

Objectives:

a)        To eliminate the perception of organoleptic deviations characterised as “earthy-musty” by the reduction in concentration or elimination of one of the main molecules responsible, geosmine.

Prescriptions:

a)        Treatment should be carried out on clarified musts with turbidities of less than 30 NTU (nephelometric turbidity units). With regard to red grapes, a preliminary treatment separating the liquid phase from the solid parts should be envisaged.

b)       The quantity of adsorbent beads to be used in the column and the must flow rate are to be determined based on the initial geosmine content.

c)        The adsorbent beads are placed in a column that is compliant with standards for food contact materials.

d)       The adsorbent beads implanted and the condition of their use should comply with the prescriptions of the International Oenological Codex.

Recommendation of the OIV:

Admitted