VA Filtration offers a brand-new process for the reduction of smoke taint from wine (ARC Process), removing not only the free taint creating the smoke aromatics, but also the bound taint from affected wine, eliminating the “rebound” effect. 

VA Filtration currently holds US Patents* for free taint removal, as well as the nanofiltration-based processing of VA reduction. VA Filtration’s most recently developed three-pronged ARC Process has been operational since the start of 2020 and has been tracking for bounce back of taint in the wine treated to date.  Currently, we have not seen any return of the taint.  Using a combination of proprietary MWCO membrane elements and adsorption columns, the process can reduce the glycosides significantly per filtration pass. The following example analysis of a heavily tainted Syrah from 2017 Mendocino fires processed using the ARC Process indicates the new level of reduction achieved in two passes through the system (all analysis performed by the AWRI):

The glycosides (Gentiobiosides and rutinosides) are the analyzable culprits of the bound taint. The ARC process lowers their levels significantly at each pass through the process. (As a benchmark, non-tainted oaked cabernet sauvignon shows the following peak baseline numbers as provided by the AWRI baseline survey for Australian Cabernet Sauvignon wines):

With the ARC Process, the wine undergoes an on-premise, three step procedure. To start the process, your wine goes into a membrane system, which separates the liquid into two parts, a retentate stream and a permeate stream. It is the permeate stream which contains both the bound and the free form of the smoke compounds. The permeate stream is then sent through an adsorption column, where the free form of the smoke aromatics are reduced.  The same permeate stream then goes into a secondary treatment column, where the bound form of the smoke taint is reduced (glycosides & rutinosides). Depending on the level of taint, our experts can recommend the number of passes which will give you the best results for your product. Wine with lesser taint may undergo fewer passes through the system, while wines with heavier taint may need up to four passes or more. Each client only need contract for the number of passes that suit the level of taint.

Capable of processing 1500 gallons per hour, VA Filtration has the bandwidth to process anywhere from one barrel to large amounts. Trial tests are available on amounts from one gallon up, but results are more conclusive the larger the trial sample, providing a great benchmark for testing.

VA Filtration is a mobile wine service and equipment manufacturing company, with patented procedures.  VA Filtration specializes in all forms of membrane processing systems. Contact us to schedule a discrete discussion on how we can help you present your best wine.

Smoke taint smoke taint removal glycosides guaiacol 4-methylguaiacol syringol cresol wild fire smoke remediation