Time Is Money: The Value of Variable Stainless-Steel Tanks
Posted by Matteo Lahm on 29th Aug 2023
You make wine for a lot of reasons. It's fun, rewarding, and economical. As you calculate and contemplate your savings, it's important to count your time the same way you count money. Enter the variable stainless-steel tank. These tanks can be used throughout the fermentation process, they are non-porous and if cared for, they can last forever. This isn't your average, run-of-the-mill wine barrel. No, this is the Swiss Army knife of winemaking tools, and it's about time we gave it the spotlight it deserves.
So, what's the big deal about these variable steel tanks? Well, let's start with their origins. These tanks hail from the land of pasta, pizza, and, of course, exquisite wines - Italy. The birthplace of the Renaissance, Italy has been a cradle of innovation and creativity for centuries, and the winemaking industry is no exception.
The first variable steel tanks were introduced to the winemaking world in the late 20th century, around the 1980s. This was a time when the industry was ripe for innovation, and these tanks were a breath of fresh air. They were the brainchild of Italian engineers who, much like their artistic predecessors, were not afraid to push boundaries and challenge the status quo.
But these tanks are not just a pretty face. They are a perfect blend of form and function, embodying the Italian ethos of 'bella figura' - a philosophy that places equal importance on aesthetics and efficiency. Made from gleaming stainless steel, these tanks are a sight to behold. But their beauty is not just skin deep.
These tanks are as functional as they are beautiful, and they've been revolutionizing the winemaking process since their inception. They brought a level of precision and control to the fermentation process that was previously unheard of. With their variable capacity and floating lid design, they offered winemakers the flexibility to experiment with different volumes and fermentation techniques, opening up a whole new world of possibilities. Yes, you read that right. The top of these tanks float, eliminating any headspace. This might seem like a minor detail, but in the world of winemaking, it's a game-changer. No headspace means no oxygen, and no oxygen means your wine is safe from the dreaded enemy - oxidation. It also gives you the freedom of variable size batches. You do not need to make enough to fill the vessel because you can close the headspace with the floating lid.
But the benefits of these tanks don't stop there. They're also incredibly versatile. Whether you're in the throes of primary fermentation or the more delicate stage of secondary fermentation, these tanks have got your back. They're the reliable sidekick every winemaker needs, ready to step in and save the day at a moment's notice.
The last and final advantage is that you don’t have to bottle all your wine at once. In fact, you can choose not to bottle your wine at all. The adjustable lid allows you to take out what you need when you need it. Having friends over for dinner? Go down to the basement, fill up your carafe and call it a day. Want to bring a few bottles to a restaurant? Fill, cork, grab your keys and buon appetito.
Now, I know what you're thinking. "This all sounds great, but is it really necessary?" Necessary is a relative term but, if you want to up your production, save space and time, there is no better option. A 500-liter tank holds about 130 gallons. You would need 22 6-gallon carboys for that much wine, which means cleaning and sanitizing 22 vessels, instead of just one. If you want to talk price, 22 carboys cost more than the tank. Then add the bungs, airlocks and shelving and then do the math. Now of course, 22 carboys allow you a lot of variety however, if you make large batches, the value of these tanks becomes self-evident. There are also smaller sizes available. They range from 100 to 1000 liters.
So, there you have it, folks. The variable stainless-steel tank - a humble piece of equipment with the power to transform your winemaking process. It's not just a tank; it's a testament to the beauty of innovation and the relentless pursuit of perfection. It will save you space, time, and money not to mention, provide you with the safest storage method there is for your wine. Cheers to that!