7795 Bell Road, Windsor, CA, United States of America, 95492

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MICRO-OXYGENATION ESSENTIALS

Micro-oxygenation (MOX) is a technique that involves the addition of controlled amounts of oxygen to wines. The objective of MOX is to allow small doses of oxygen to slowly be consumed through redox reactions, thus avoiding oxygen accumulation. The speed and rate of oxygen additions are very important. Rapid exposures to high doses of oxygen can quickly saturate the wine, resulting in the accumulation of oxygen leading to oxidation, browning and loss of aromas.

 

ENARTIS MICRO-OX

The Enartis MicroOx system monitors actual oxygen flow by measuring weight (mg/s) rather than volume. Oxygen delivered by volume can strongly fluctuate with temperature and pressure, whereas the Enartis system provides linearity and precise doses. 

The Enartis MicroOx System was designed for precision micro-oxygenation within the wine industry for application during all production stages throughout the winemaking process.  With a straightforward interface, the user is able to specifically design an oxygen dosing rate between 0.1 mg/L and 99.99 mg/L to a variety of tank sizes based on mass-flow-sensing technology, which adjusts each application point individually. Enartis MicroOx is built with a durable corrosion and moisture-resistant stainless steel housing and requiring readily available 120VAC power supply.

Depending on facility needs, Enartis USA offer multiple sizing options from which to choose. Units range from the portable MicroOx 1 and MicroOx 2 to the mountable, multiple-outlet dosing units like MicroOx 5, MicroOx 10, MicroOx 15 and MicroOx 20designedto accommodate larger facilities. Additional customizable size options are also available by request to fit individual needs.

 

THE MICRO-OX PANEL

The goals of MOX are to speed the development of stable color in red wine and improve mouthfeel and the aroma profile. During this process, it is important to evaluate whether these goals are being accomplished and avoid over-processing, which can result in browning. It is recommended to monitor these critical wine parameters and the development of stable color on a bi-weekly basis. Vinquiry Laboratories by Enartis USA offers a targeted Micro-ox Panelthat provides all the essential analysis to determine the progress of MOX and the degree of completion. The panel includes the following parameters:

  • Free SO2: A typical decrease is 1mg/L of free SO2 for 3-4mg/L of oxygen. A rapid decrease in Free SO2 indicates too high of an oxygen rate and/or microbial spoilage.  
  • Acetic Acid: An increase could be an indicator of microbial spoilage and/or too high levels of oxygen integration.
  • Wine Phenolic Fingerprint: Phenolic compound measurement serves as an indicator of the potential for a wine to be treated with oxygen, as well as a guide on a starting dosage rate. Additionally, it provides information on the required additions of tannins as well as help monitor phenolic development and polymerization. In this case, we recommend addition of Enartis Tan Microfruit at 10-20 g/hL or Enartis Tan E at 10-20 g/hL before MOX in order to have an optimal tannin/anthocyanin ratio of 4:1.
  • Absorbance 420/520: Track color change for optimal hue and avoid browning.

In addition to using the Micro-ox Panel, measuring turbidity, acetaldehyde content (services provided by the Vinquiry Labs) and dissolved oxygen (DO) is recommended: 

  • High turbidities increase the speed of wine oxygen consumption and decrease oxygen efficacy. MOX is not advised if turbidity is above 100 NTU.
  • An increase of acetaldehyde above the sensory threshold level indicates too high a rate or too long of an application of oxygen. When acetaldehyde is higher than the sensory threshold of (40−100 ppm), dosing should be stopped. Oxygen should be added in a manner so it does not cause an increase in DO, which should stay below 0.5 mg/L. Enartis USA offers the top-choice portable DO meter; Thermo Scientific™ Orion™ Star A223 RDO/DO which helps with the adjustment of the MOX dosage rate.

We hope that this information helps you in managing micro-oxygenation. If you have any questions, please give us a call at (707) 838-6312.

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Title Name Email Phone Extension
President José Santos jose.santos@enartis.com (707) 303-6559
Sales Manager Libby Spencer libby.spencer@enartis.com (503) 798-0941

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Enartis USA 7795 Bell Road, Windsor CA United States of America 95492

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