Overview of Biothermo System

The Biothermo system is an advanced, continuous processing machine designed for wine production, specializing in thermal vinification and cryo-maceration. It offers precise temperature control ranging from +95°C to -1°C, enabling gentle grape treatment that preserves product integrity and reduces operational costs.

Main Features and Specifications

• Multi-functionality: A single unit performs both thermal vinification and cold maceration, producing wines tailored for different market segments.
• Continuous Operation: The system operates continuously, delivering wine ready for clarification without intermediate steps.
• Temperature Control: Capable of precise regulation from +95°C down to -1°C, including a chiller configuration that eliminates the need for costly cooling agents like liquid nitrogen or dry ice.
• Product Integrity: Grapes are fully immersed in must, preventing oxygen exposure and mechanical friction, which protects aroma compounds and prevents lees formation.
• Modular and User-Friendly Design: Each component has an independent electric control panel, managed centrally via an intuitive interface. The absence of mechanical movements simplifies cleaning and maintenance.
• Preassembled and Easy Installation: The system requires no special infrastructure, permits, or specialized operators, as it does not use steam or overheated water.

Advantages for Wine Production

Thermal Vinification

• Instant extraction of anthocyanins, producing fruity, ready-to-drink wines.
• Destruction of enzymatic activity, beneficial for processing botrytised grapes.
• Vinification in liquid phase reduces the need for fermentation agents.
• Ability to blend untreated grapes with thermovinified and macerated grapes to achieve well-colored, structured wines.

Pre-fermentation Cold Maceration (MPF)

• Enhanced extraction of aromatic substances without excessive polyphenols or oxidizable compounds.
• Simplified must cleaning that preserves grape varietal characteristics.
• For red wines, improved anthocyanin co-pigmentation increases color intensity and extraction of noble tannins ensures long-term color stability.

Technical and Operational Details

• Temperature control from +95°C to -1°C without expensive consumables like liquid nitrogen or dry ice, reducing operational costs.
• Grape movement is achieved through must flow, preserving grape integrity despite thermal treatment.
• System components include immersion tanks, separators, boilers, storage tanks, macerators, rotary filters, presses, and heat exchangers, all coordinated via control panels.

Vinification Process Flow

The system’s schematic illustrates a continuous process involving must, crushed grapes, racking, immersion, separation, heating, storage, maceration, filtration, pressing, and heat exchange. This visual representation clarifies the integrated and streamlined workflow of the Biothermo system.

Key Benefits Summary

• Flexibility to produce wines with characteristics suited for wholesale or direct sale markets.
• Significant cost savings through efficient temperature control and elimination of expensive cooling agents.
• Improved wine quality by controlled extraction and protection of grape integrity.
• Easy integration into existing wineries due to preassembled, simple design requiring no special infrastructure or permits.

Manufacturer and Support

The Biothermo system is developed by Della Toffola, with offices and support centers in France, Spain, Chile, Argentina, and Italy. Contact information and websites are available for further inquiries and technical assistance.