BEHIND THE SCENES OF ALCOHOL-FREE WINE PRODUCTION
Behind the scenes of non-alcoholic beverage production lies a fascinating process that combines traditional winemaking methods with advanced technologies. This fusion allows producers to create drinks that retain the complexity and character of traditional wines, but without the alcohol. Let's delve deeper into the steps and techniques involved in this art form.
Selection of the Grapes
The process starts in the vineyard, where carefully selected grapes form the basis for the quality of the final non-alcoholic drink. As with traditional wines, the choice of grape variety, the ripeness of the grapes and the terroir play a crucial role in the flavor profile of the drink.
Fermentation
After harvest, the grapes undergo the fermentation process, during which sugars are converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide through the action of yeast. This stage is identical to the beginning of the traditional winemaking process and is essential for developing the wine's basic flavors and aromas.
De-Alcoholization
After fermentation comes the unique part of the process: de-alcoholization. There are several methods for this, including:
- Vacuum distillation : In this method, the wine is heated under reduced pressure, causing the alcohol to evaporate at a temperature lower than the boiling point of water. This helps retain most of the aromas in the wine.
- Reverse osmosis: In this technique, the wine is pressed through a membrane that separates the alcohol from the rest of the wine. The alcohol-free liquid is then mixed with the remaining flavors and water.
- Spinning Cone Column : This technique uses centrifugal force to separate volatile aromas from the wine before removing the alcohol. The aromas are then added back to the alcohol-free base.
Adaptation and Blending
After de-alcoholization, producers can further refine the drink by adjusting, blending and balancing flavors to achieve the desired flavor profiles. This may involve adding back certain aromas lost during de-alcoholization or introducing new elements to increase the complexity and depth of the drink.
Bottling and Packaging
The final stage is bottling and packaging, where the non-alcoholic drink is prepared for distribution. As with traditional wines, careful handling is necessary to ensure the quality and freshness of the product.
This careful and innovative behind-the-scenes process ensures that wine and other beverage enthusiasts can enjoy non-alcoholic alternatives without compromising on taste and experience. At World of NIX we strive to offer a wide range of high-quality non-alcoholic drinks, where every bottle is the result of passion, craftsmanship and innovation.