Wine-making tanks and the various types of tank bottom: flat, inclined or conical

Choosing the ideal tank bottom for your winemaking process

Winemaking is an age-old art that demands meticulous attention at every stage of the process. Vinification tanks play a central role in this quest to create exceptional wines. Among the crucial elements to consider, the type of tank bottom used is of particular importance. In this article, we explore in detail the different types of vat bottom: flat, sloping and conical, and their specific use in the winemaking process.

FLAT BOTTOM - STABILITY AND VERSATILITY

Flat-bottomed tanks offer unrivalled versatility, adapted to different phases of the winemaking process. Whether for storage, blending or ageing, their flat surface guarantees optimum stability. Perfect for open fermentation, these tanks offer a large surface area for interaction between the must and the air, influencing the characteristics of the wine.

Stainless steel tank - 120 HL

A solid foundation for controlled winemaking

The flat bottom remains a preferred choice in the world of winemaking because of its unrivalled stability. This stability is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the must during fermentation. Flat-bottomed tanks also offer maximum surface contact with the lees, encouraging the development of aromas and flavours.

Versatility at the service of winemaking creativity

The versatility of the flat base can be seen in its ability to accommodate a variety of winemaking styles. Whether you opt for traditional fermentation or carbonic maceration, the flat base provides a neutral canvas for expressing the quintessence of each grape variety.

Although flat-bottomed tanks are the most common due to their simplicity of manufacture and cleaning, it is important to note that they can present drainage challenges, which can lead to clarification problems.

SLOPING BOTTOM - NATURAL DRAINAGE FOR OPTIMAL VINIFICATION

Tanks with sloping bottoms are specially designed to simplify the pumping-over process during fermentation. The natural upward slope of the must encourages gentle extraction of desirable components from the grape skins. What's more, the sloping base ensures that the liquid flows evenly during racking, preserving the clarity of the wine.

304L stainless steel tank - 507 HL

The graceful flow of the must

Sloped-bottom tanks have gained in popularity because of their clever design, which allows the must to flow naturally. The incline also makes it easier to separate skins and pips, improving the quality of the juice extracted.

An advantage for cold prefermentation maceration

For winemakers looking to make the most of pre-fermentation cold maceration, the sloping base is an invaluable ally. By allowing efficient drainage of the juice, it contributes to optimal extraction of the aromatic compounds.

Similar to flat-bottomed vats but with a steeper angle, sloping-bottom vats facilitate drainage and clarification, making them ideal for tannin extraction, which is particularly appreciated in red wine vinification.

CONICAL BOTTOM - PRECISION AND CONTROL

Conical-bottom tanks are distinguished by their efficiency in separating the lees, a crucial element in winemaking. By encouraging the natural collection of yeast deposits and solids, the cone facilitates their separation from the clear wine. This feature contributes to more efficient clarification of the wine. What's more, the conical bottom allows easy drainage of liquids, minimising losses during transfers and simplifying tank cleaning.

304 stainless steel tank - 162 HL

Controlling fermentation and clarification

Conical-bottom tanks are prized for their ability to concentrate the lees in the centre, simplifying the fermentation and clarification process. This innovative design offers greater control over particle deposition, guaranteeing purer, more crystalline wines.

An informed choice for top-of-the-range wines

Producers focused on superior quality often opt for vats with conical bottoms. The natural concentration of sediment at the bottom produces more elegant wines, with a subtle balance between structure and finesse.

The advantages don't stop there. The conical bottom tanks are designed to optimise tannin extraction, which is particularly beneficial for high-quality red wines. The process of the wine flowing from top to bottom concentrates the tannins, adding exceptional depth to the final product.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE PERFECT BASE FOR YOUR WINE

To sum up, the choice of vat bottom depends on the specific winemaking objectives. Opt for flat-bottomed vats for basic fermentation, favour sloping or conical-bottomed vats for clarification and tannin extraction. The conical bottom excels at separating lees, the flat bottom offers versatility for different production phases, while the sloping bottom facilitates pumping-over and ensures a regular flow of liquid.

The winemaker's preferences and the type of wine also play a crucial role in this choice. Red wines often find their perfection in tanks with sloping or conical bottoms, favouring complete fermentation and effective separation of the lees. For white wines, tanks with flat or sloping bottoms minimise contact with the lees, preserving their delicate character.

CONCLUSION : CHOOSING THE TANK END IS A CRUCIAL DECISIONa

In conclusion, the choice between a flat, sloping or conical bottom depends on the winemaker's specific objectives and the style of wine they wish to create. Each type of vat bottom offers distinct advantages, allowing the winemaking process to be highly personalised. By investing in a thorough understanding of these options, winemakers can truly hone their craft and produce exceptional wines that exceed market expectations. Remember, the vat bottom is not just a container, it's a centrepiece in the creation of winemaking masterpieces.

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