Wine filters play an important role in improving the body and consistency of a wine. These filters are usually made from materials such as polypropylene. There are several reasons why filters play an important role in producing a clear, smooth wine. This article elucidates the need for wine filtration, and tips to choose the best filters.
Why is filtration required?
The process of wine making starts with fermentation, which entails the addition of yeast to crushed grapes. Once a wine has been fermented, particles of yeast, as well as the crushed grapes continue to be suspended in it. Since this is such an organic process, small insects and these are also sometimes present in the wine. All of these particles lend a hazy and cloudy effect to the wine. The only solution to mitigate this problem is by making use of filters. Filtration and microbiological stabilization as a technique has been used for some decades for the clarification of it.
Experts opine that wine filtration also plays an important role in improving the overall flavor and body of it. It can help to bring out the original characteristic flavor of the fruit that has been used for making wine.
Wine filters are also very important for another reason. If it is not filtered properly prior to bottling, it could deteriorate. This means, that the presence of yeast and other organic particles could react in the wine and change its very properties. Winemakers are wary of this problem, and they take every precaution to make sure that it is filtered properly before the bottling stage. Thus, there are no unpleasant surprises when the end customer opens his or her bottle of wine.
How does a wine filter help?
It comprises thousands of tiny pores through which the wine is made to pass. As the wine passes through the filter bed, the impurities get trapped in the minute pores. What passes through is just the wine. In most cases, it would probably need to go through two or three filtration stages in order to be ready for bottling. Usually, these filters are made from cellulose fibers that are bonded together to form a filter pad. Simply stated, these filters act like a sieve to the wine. If you want extremely clear fine, you would need to opt for a very dense wine filter with the smallest pore sizes. Wine filters are available in different grades based on their pore sizes.
When you decide to purchase wine filters, it is recommended that you choose products manufactured by a reputable brand. The use of a substandard wine filter made from inferior materials could cause a significant degree of damage to your wine.
