Winemakers throughout the west coast wine-producing region report that the smoke taint of recent vintages remains a continuing concern with their finished wines. Since reducing the perception of smoke taint is a very complex and still not completely understood phenomenon, there are a number of techniques that may help. Keep in mind, some wines may require more than one treatment, or multiple applications of a given treatment to get the wines where you want them to be. ATPGroup has a number of options to help remediate the problem, and feedback from clients so far has noted that the fining treatment below of ClarMix or ClarNOF followed by ClarPure has had a particularly beneficial effect in a wide range of wines.

Reverse Osmosis

Reverse osmosis has proven highly effective at removing free volatile phenols. Its drawback, however, is that it is not effective at removing bound volatile phenols, so smoke characteristics could return. For winemakers who choose reverse osmosis as a solution, ATPGroup’s Mobile Services partner Mavrik North America has proprietary RO equipment with specially-selected membranes to target compounds related to smoke taint. Sensory analysis of the wine is critical before and after treatment. Because MLF has a large sensory impact, any RO treatment should be considered 5–6 weeks after MLF is complete. Wines treated with reverse osmosis for smoke taint should NOT be barreled down. For oak complexity and palate resolution, consider tannins and/or oak blocks with micro-oxygenation in tank.

Fining

In addition to pre-fermentation fining, it might be necessary to fine during and after fermentation. Trials are always recommended. For mild smoke character, start with fining trials at 6 weeks post-MLF. For stronger smoke taint:

• End of fermentation or ML:
  1. ClarMix at up to 0.1 g/L (0.8 lb/1000 gallons) for 3 days OR ClarNOF at up to 0.4 g/L (3.3 lb/1000 gal) for 3 days
  2. Follow with ClarPure at up to 40 g/hL (3.3 lb/1000 gal) for 3–6 days contact.
  3. Rack wine off fining lees.
• During ageing (or beginning 6 weeks after the completion of MLF):
  1. ClarPure at up to 40 g/hL (3.3 lb/1000 gallons) for up to 6 days
  2. Rack wine off fining lees.
• Finished Blend Fining
  1. ClarMix at up to 0.1 g/L (0.8 lb/1000 gallons) for 3–6 days OR ClarNOF at up to 0.4 g/L (3.3 lb/1000 gal) for 3 days
  2. Follow with ClarPure at up to 40 g/hL (3.3 lb/1000 gal) for 48 hours contact.
  3. Rack wine off fining lees.

Tannins & Oak Chips/Blocks

As with use in fermentation, certain tannins and oak chips or blocks might help reduce the perception of smoke taint. Trials are highly recommended, as certain options can actually increase smoke perception. Tannins that enhance fresh aromatics or increase complexity, such as Tannica Bouquet, Tannica Rosso, Tannica Lyon, or Tannica Fresco, might be helpful in reducing the perception of smoke characteristics. For wines pressed early, Tani-Grape, Tani-Structure and Tani-Complete can help enhance a wine’s mouthfeel and structure.

ATPGroup's team of experienced winemakers and enologists is always available to help design a custom program of smoke taint mitigation and/or remediation to fit your winemaking style and budget. For more information or trial samples, please contact your ATPGroup Technical Representative or Enology Products Specialist, or call one of our offices: Windsor, CA at (707) 836-6840 or Paso Robles, CA at (805) 237-1223. Information on our products is also available on our website: www.ATPGroup.com.

ATPGroup was founded as a family business in 1991. Now a leading supplier to the wine, beer, food, and pharmaceutical markets, the company offers an unparalleled range of high-quality products and services including winemaking & cellar products, brewery supplies, glassware, production equipment, cleaning & sanitation solutions, parts & servicing, mobile services, tartaric acid, cream of tartar, and Rochelle salt. Its team is made up of industry veterans, engineers, cellar masters, and product specialists who provide technical expertise in their respective fields. With warehouses across the country, the company is strategically located to serve customers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.