At Winemakers Review, our mission is to bring fresh and in-depth insight into the technical and creative aspects of winemaking, emphasizing the connection between the craft and those who dedicate their lives to it. In Episode 11 of our podcast series, titled "Backstage with the Winemaker - The WONDERS of Filtration," we explore a crucial, though sometimes controversial, aspect of winemaking: filtration.
This episode ventures into the technical intricacies of wine filtration with Bryan Tudhope, the CEO and founder of VA Filtration USA, a leader in filtration and remediation services for the wine industry. Join host Nile Zacherle as we geek out over the transformative effects of filtration technologies on wine, addressing common winemaking challenges such as smoke taint, volatile acidity, ethanol management, and Brettanomyces.
Bryan’s journey began as a chemical engineer in South Africa, where an offhand challenge to remove vinegar from wine led to pioneering developments in wine filtration. His innovative approach resulted in the founding of VA Filtration, which quickly became essential to wineries facing various vinification dilemmas. Today, VA Filtration operates globally, offering mobile services that deliver on-site solutions to winemakers, from small batches to operations exceeding a million gallons.
The conversation delves into the stigma around filtration in winemaking circles and the necessity of embracing this technology under certain circumstances. Bryan and Nile discuss the impact of VA Filtration’s patented nanofiltration process and other cutting-edge techniques that ensure minimal intervention and maximum benefit, enhancing wine quality while preserving its character.
This episode not only educates on the technical capabilities and benefits of modern filtration but also highlights how these technologies can align with the craft and tradition of winemaking. By understanding and discussing these processes, we aim to demystify filtration and present it as a valuable tool in the winemaker's arsenal, rather than a compromise to quality.
Find more episodes at: www.winemakersreview.com
