II.4.3.2 Tirage in a closed tank

Definition:

Operation that entails putting the cuvee, well blended with the tirage liqueur, into a pressure-resistant tank, with the addition of an inoculum of selected yeasts, and possibly of clarifying agents and activators of secondary alcoholic fermentation. All the outlets of the tank are then hermetically closed.

Objective :

To initiate secondary alcoholic fermentation with the aim of obtaining effervescence.

Prescriptions :

a)        The following clarifying agents are authorised :

• Bentonites (see Treatment with bentonites),
• Organic fining agents (see Fining),
• Tannins (see Tannin addition),
• Potassium alginate.

b)       Activators of secondary alcoholic fermentation are authorised (see Promoting secondary fermentation by the use of nutritive salts and of yeast growth factors)

c)        These products shall comply with the prescriptions of the International Oenological Codex.

Recommendation of OIV: 

Admitted