Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for producing a sparkling fruit liquor raw material, including: a sealed fermentation container for receiving a stock liquid in which a fruit juice-containing fruit raw material and yeast are mixed; and an extraction pipe having an extraction inlet disposed in the fermentation container and an extraction outlet disposed outside the fermentation container. The sparkling fruit liquor raw material is produced by undergoing a sparkling fruit liquor raw material production state St1 configured such that a stock liquid is charged in the fermentation container so that a top surface of the stock liquid is positioned higher than the extraction inlet, and a pressure of carbon dioxide gas generated as fermentation of the stock liquid proceeds is then used to continuously extract, from the fermentation container via the extraction pipe, the sparkling fruit liquor raw material produced as the stock liquid is fermented.

Abstract: A method and a device for air injection into a vinification tank (1) use air injection nozzles (2) installed therein. A rule is applied for automatic variation of injections with time, by a coordinated and combined action of the nozzles, so that for each of the installed nozzles the delivered air jets may be modulated in duration and frequency and combined with the jets delivered by the other nozzles according to a programmable sequence.

Abstract: A method for metering hops pellets into a fermented beer precursor in order to produce beer using a system having a metering system and a pump. Hops pellets are supplied into the system. A specified quantity of hops pellets are metered from the metering system to the pump. The specified quantity of hops pellets is supplied into a beer precursor-conducting line or a tank filled with beer precursor by the pump. The metered hops pellets are supplied into the beer precursor-conducting line or into the tank filled with the beer precursor in a pelleted and/or granulated form.

Abstract: This invention disclosed a method for preparing low-sugar vegetable and fruit enzyme product comprising obtaining a fruit or/and vegetable as a material; fermenting the material for at least three times sequentially, and producing an enzyme product, wherein the first fermentation is yeast fermentation, the second fermentation is acetic acid bacteria fermentation and the third fermentation is lactic acid bacteria fermentation; and the sugar content of the enzyme product is less than 5 wt %, especially, in a predetermined fermentation condition, the sugar content of the enzyme product is less than 2.5 wt %.

Abstract: A system and method for automated distillery management includes the ability to manage customers, manage inventory, and facilitate the production, aging, and sale of customized spirits. Customers, groups, and distillery staff may engage in the production, aging, and storage of customized spirits on a micro-brewing and/or micro-distilling scale. Various levels of customization may be available when producing the customized spirit. A level of customization of a spirit may be based upon type of spirit, recipe selection, amount of involvement in production process, type of involvement in production process, amount of notifications provided, types of notifications provided, participation in tasting during production process, spirit proof, aging type and time, storage time, customized labels for one or more casks, tanks, bottles, and/or other receptacles to hold the customized spirit and/or other factors related to producing a customized spirit.

Abstract: A method and a device for air injection into a vinification tank (1) use air injection nozzles (2) installed therein. A rule is applied for automatic variation of injections with time, by a coordinated and combined action of the nozzles, so that for each of the installed nozzles the delivered air jets may be modulated in duration and frequency and combined with the jets delivered by the other nozzles according to a programmable sequence.

Abstract: The tank comprises a cylindrical vessel, air tight sealing means, pressure control means, and in addition: a first gas adduction nozzle, located in proximity of the bottom of the cylindrical vessel; a second gas adduction nozzle, provided at an intermediate height of the cylindrical vessel; a third gas adduction nozzle, provided in the upper part of the cylindrical vessel, above the maximum level reached by the liquid; power and control means, functionally connected to the pressure control means, first, second and third gas adduction nozzles, adapted to determine for the same respective predetermined operative phases, in order to perform vinification processes with controlled oxidation, even without the addition of sulphites. The tank is advantageously equipped with organs for taking the must from the bottom and spreading it from the top, by up-down shaking, activated by the power and control means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for reducing the methanol content in a fermented solution to create forms healthier to human consumption, thereby reducing headaches and hangovers. In accordance with the disclosed embodiments, the fermented solution is placed in a vacuum vessel and heated to a fixed temperature. Pulling a fixed vacuum within the vessel lowers the boiling point of the solution, creating a vapor selectively of the low-end congeners, for example, methanol. The methanol-rich vapor is condensed and disposed leaving a healthier fermented solution with reduced methanol content. In some embodiments, the fixed temperature is lower than or equal to 32 degrees C. which preserves the aroma and taste of the fermented solution.

Abstract: A method for preparing a fermented beverage having a modulated aromatic profile is provided as well as a fermented beverage produced thereby. The method includes preparing a fermentable mixture, such as juice, must, or wort and introducing ammonium sulphide into the fermentable mixture at a predetermined concentration. The fermentable mixture is then subjected to fermentation. A C6 aldehyde, C6 alcohol or a combination thereof may be added to the fermentable mixture in combination with ammonium sulphide to enhance its effect on the aromatic profile of the fermented beverage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising an aglycosylated polypeptide having cellobiase activity, and methods for producing and using the same.

Abstract: Multi-stage fermentation process for making red/white/rosé wines having a unique, unexpected and intense “vertical palate” (VP) of aroma, flavors and exceptional finish. The inventive VP wines are a blend of 3-4 feed stocks: I. Red: A) a primary and secondary fermented, barrel-aged must-based wine; B) a flashed-must, barrel-fermented, barrel-aged wine; C) a flashed-on-skin primary and secondary fermented, barrel-aged wine; or D) A+C; and II. White: A-1) a low solids, juice-based barrel fermented wine, and/or A-2) a low solids primary and secondary fermented, barrel or tank-aged wine; B) a flashed-juice, concentrated, barrel-fermented, barrel or tank-aged wine; C) a flashed-juice, concentrated, primary and secondary fermented, barrel or tank-aged wine; or D) A-2+C. Quantitative assays show the inventive VPP wines have 2-3× phenolic components as compared to traditional fermentation process wines.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus plantarum, which has an excellent fermentative ability affording high achievable cell counts even if various vegetable or fruit juices are used as fermentative substrates. The lactic acid bacterium belonging to Lactobacillus plantarum is characterized by the achievable viable cell counts being 108 CFU/ml or more in both cases when 100% juice of grape or of orange is used as fermentative substrate.

Abstract: Resveratrol and/or pterostilbene are added to wines to preserve the wine from oxidation, bacteria and fungi, as well as to deliver resveratrol to an animal. The resveratrol and/or pterostilbene are also added to red wine to preserve the polyphenols present in red wine. The resveratrol and/or pterostilbene can be added to grape must prior to fermentation and/or to fermented wine prior to bottling.

Abstract: A method for processing a crushed vegetal material, which has a solid part and liquid part and is placed inside a container, includes increasing the gas pressure inside the container so that the gas dissolves or diffuses in the liquid part; and decreasing the gas pressure inside the container.

Abstract: A method and device for manipulating alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to obtain desirable changes in the beverages, comprising subjecting said beverages to a flow-through hydrodynamic cavitation process and continuing the application of such process for a period of time sufficient to produce a consumable product. In the case of wine, the method includes altering the composition and accelerating the conversion of ingredients to obtain wine with a superior homogeny, an extended shelf life and a mouth feel, flavor, bouquet, color and body resembling those of wine that was subjected to a traditional oak barrel maturation. The system provided implements the described method.

Abstract: A process for separation of solid and liquid components in a distillation whole stillage utilizing airless spray drying is disclosed, which is more efficient and economical than conventional processes. In the process, distillation whole stillage resulting from distillation of fermented biomass is first subjected to an evaporation step for separating the whole stillage into a condensate and a concentrate including water, dissolved solids and suspended solids. The concentrate is then subjected to airless steam spray drying for converting the concentrate into dried solids, steam and vapors. All steam and vapors resulting from the airless steam spray drying step are then redirected as energy source to a processing step upstream of the airless spray drying step. At least some of the steam generated in the airless spray drying step is airless steam.

Abstract: A beverage preparation machine with a receptacle for removably receiving therein a disposable cartridge having a first liquid ingredient and alcohol separated by a frangible partition. A movable lid closes the receptacle with the cartridge therein and has an inlet tube that pierces the upper portion of the cartridge when the lid is closed. An outlet tube at a lower portion of the receptacle pierces the lower portion of the cartridge when the lid is closed. A bottle is removably mounted on the machine beneath the outlet tube. A cold water reservoir is connected to the inlet tube. For carbonated beverages, a carbon dioxide source is connected to the machine at the upper end of the bottle.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical or nutraceutical composition comprising a cell line callus culture of grape berry cells grown in vitro, whereby the cell line callus culture of grape berry cells is derived from one or more of grape-berry cross section, grape-berry skin, grape-berry flesh, grape seed, grape embryo of seeded or seedless cultivars or grape seed coat.

Abstract: A disposable winemaking apparatus for fermenting wine containing skins, seeds, and stems that form a cap includes a single-use, dual chamber plastic bag that incorporates a mechanism to agitate and disperse the cap in order to maximize extraction of color and flavor. It also includes an integral press mechanism to squeeze out the fermented juice through a strainer, retaining the pomace in the disposable bag. The device may also be used for racking and transfer of wine during aging.

Abstract: The present invention provides for passive V0C recovery in the fermentation process that does not affect or minimally affects the conditions within the fermentor vessel and does not affect or minimally affects the conditions within the headspace of the fermentor vessel itself while using the production of CO2 emitted during the fermenting process as the source of driving energy to move a portion of the gaseous/vaporous material in the headspace of the fermentor through an appropriately sized conduit to a chilled surface condensing device to condense the V0Cs (principally ethanol) for recovery and to exhaust the CO2 to the atmosphere or to recover the CO2 for other uses.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a process for preparing a liquid food product enriched with oligosaccharides and with polysaccharides starting from berries, in the absence of alcoholic fermentation in the presence of the berries, which comprises (a) heating the berries at a temperature ranging from 40° C. to 100° C., (b) placing the berries under vacuum at a pressure ranging from 103 to 3×104 Pa, and (c) a step of maceration of the berries by inoculation of one or more pectolytic enzymes, and extraction of the juice before any fermentative process.

Abstract: A method for production of an alcoholic beverage with reduced content of alcohol involving treating unfermented beverage starting solution with glucose oxidase and glucose isomerase.

Abstract: Multi-stage fermentation process for making red/white/rosé wines having a unique, unexpected and intense “vertical palate” (VP) of aroma, flavors and exceptional finish. The inventive VP wines are a blend of 3-4 feed stocks: I. Red: A) a primary and secondary fermented, barrel-aged must-based wine; B) a flashed-must, barrel-fermented, barrel-aged wine; C) a flashed-on-skin primary and secondary fermented, barrel-aged wine; or D) A+C; and II. White: A-1) a low solids, juice-based barrel fermented wine, and/or A-2) a low solids primary and secondary fermented, barrel or tank-aged wine; B) a flashed-juice, concentrated, barrel-fermented, barrel or tank-aged wine; C) a flashed-juice, concentrated, primary and secondary fermented, barrel or tank-aged wine; or D) A-2+C. Quantitative assays show the inventive VPP wines have 2-3X phenolic components as compared to traditional fermentation process wines.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for preserving and dispensing a beverage, having: (a) a housing including one or more compartments, each compartment for storing a beverage container; and (b) one or more dispensing head removably connected to a cartridge, wherein said dispensing head having an aerator for aerating said beverage, wherein said cartridge removably and securely holds a beverage container, wherein said beverage flows from said container to said dispensing head by the force of a pump connected to said cartridge. In one embodiment, the beverage is wine.

Abstract: Provided is a compound and composition capable of increasing a sugar content in a fruit by a simple method, without being restricted by a cultivation area of a plant or a climatic environment. The agent for increasing a sugar content in a fruit of a plant comprises a compound represented by the formula MX as an active ingredient, wherein M represents alkali metal ion or alkaline earth metal ion, and X represents carbonate ion, hydrogen carbonate ion, acetate ion, citrate ion, succinate ion, phosphate ion, hydrogen phosphate ion, or pyrophosphate ion.

Abstract: The present invention provides for passive VOC recovery in the fermentation process that does not affect or minimally affects the conditions within the fermentor vessel and does not affect or minimally affects the conditions within the headspace of the fermentor vessel itself while using the production of CO2 emitted during the fermenting process as the source of driving energy to move a portion of the gaseous/vaporous material in the headspace of the fermentor through an appropriately sized conduit to a chilled surface condensing device to condense the VOCs (principally ethanol) for recovery and to exhaust the CO2 to the atmosphere or to recover the CO2 for other uses.

Abstract: Resveratrol and/or pterostilbene are added to wines to preserve the wine from oxidation, bacteria and fungi, as well as to deliver resveratrol to an animal. The resveratrol and/or pterostilbene are also added to red wine to preserve the polyphenols present in red wine. The resveratrol and/or pterostilbene can be added to grape must prior to fermentation and/or to fermented wine prior to bottling.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a composition comprising at least one polypeptide having glucoamylase activity and optionally at least one polypeptide having ?-1,3-endoglucanase activity in a process of lysing yeast cell walls as well as to a process for lysing yeast cell walls which comprises exposing said yeast cell walls to a composition comprising at least one polypeptide having glucoamylase activity and optionally at least one polypeptide having ?-1,3-endoglucanase activity.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an improved process for the manufacture of an alcoholic beverage, including the steps of providing a sugar source, subjecting the sugar source to at least one instance of fermentation, and simultaneously adding plant material of the family Fabaceae during the step of fermentation, thereby potentiating extraction of extractable compounds from the plant material, useful in imparting a unique flavour and aroma to the alcoholic beverage. The alcoholic beverage may be a wine, beer or cider beverage.

Abstract: The present invention corresponds to a method for the removal of unwanted phenolic compounds from foodstuffs, more particularly beverages. The method comprising contacting a selected polymer with the foodstuff. In a particular embodiment, the polymers are selected among polyaniline (PANI), polyaniline emeraldine base (PANI-EB) and polyaniline emeraldine salt (PANI-ES) polymers, or the polymers are selected among polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers functionalized with polyaniline (PANI), polyaniline emeraldine base (PANI-EB) and polyaniline emeraldine salt (PANI-ES) polymers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a winemaking process using the traditional method of vinification except that, after fermentation, a chitosan-based film is placed in contact with the wine and no sulfur dioxide is added. The present invention also relates to a process for preparation of a chitosan-based film by modification of the chitosan with natural compounds, which allows to produce chitosan films stable in acidic medium, with high antioxidant activity, while maintaining the antimicrobial activity. In one embodiment, the films are prepared by covalent linkage to the chitosan of molecules, such as genipin, which results in decreasing its solubility in acidic medium, and also of molecules with high antioxidant activity, such as caffeic acid, or grape and wine extracts rich in compounds with antioxidant activity.

Abstract: Resveratrol and/or pterostilbene are added to wines to preserve the wine from oxidation, bacteria and fungi, as well as to deliver resveratrol to an animal. The resveratrol and/or pterostilbene are also added to red wine to preserve the polyphenols present in red wine. The resveratrol and/or pterostilbene can be added to grape must prior to fermentation and/or to fermented wine prior to bottling.

Abstract: A method of modeling a fermentation process comprises providing a first principles model of a fermentation process; determining the concentration of at least one substrate in a fermentation composition at a first time; and predicting the concentration of at least one component of the fermentation composition at a second time using the first principles model, wherein the second time is after the first time.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of producing an alcoholic beverage by fermentation having flavor and taste of passion fruit and grapefruit, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: providing a gas stream containing hydrogen sulfide, bubbling the gas stream containing hydrogen sulfide into a grape juice and/or grape juice derived fractions prior to yeast inoculation, and/or during fermentation. The alcoholic beverage obtainable by the method can be chosen from the group constituted by wines, beers and spirits. Most preferably, the alcoholic beverage is a Sauvignon Blanc wine.

Abstract: A method of introducing yeast into a fruit juice such as grape must to be fermented is disclosed. The method comprises feeding dry yeast into a flowing stream of the fruit juice and delivering the flowing stream of fruit juice with the yeast in it to a mixer (10). The fruit juice and yeast emerging from the mixer is fed into a fermentation tank. The yeast can include nutrients selected from inactivated yeasts, yeast autolysates, yeast cell hulls, yeast extracts, amino acids, peptides, proteins, sterols, ergosterol, thiamin, biotin, pantothenic acid, niacin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, minerals and inorganic nitrogen in the form of ammonium salts.

Abstract: A method for production of a wine with lower content of alcohol involving treating unfermented grape juice with glucose oxidase and glucose isomerase.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for: 1) the gentle, controlled mixing of solid and liquid botanical components during fermentation; and 2) the regulation of parameters in cap material and juice during primary fermentation to optimize attributes such as expressive organoleptic characteristics including bouquet, texture and flavor, while simultaneously and selectively monitoring and mitigating the deleterious effects of reduced sulfur compounds, harmful bacteria, multicellular fungi, and/or biogenic amines during the artisan creation of ultra-premium fine wines and other alcoholic libations according to a customized schedule.

Abstract: An electroanalytical method for predicting the oxidability of a wine or a grape must is disclosed. This example includes recording an electrochemical signal of a sample of the wine or grape must; comparing an electrochemical signature of the electrochemical signal obtained in a) with reference curves of voltammograms obtained from wines or grape musts with known oxidability; and predicting the oxidability of the sample tested based on the comparison. Markers for predicting the oxidability of a wine or a grape must and the use of electrochemistry for predicting the oxidability of a wine or a grape must are also disclosed. A method for predicting the optimal total oxygen supply for storing a wine or a grape must in a container; a method for wine maturation and/or ageing and; a method for selecting an optimal closure for storing a wine or a grape must in a container are also disclosed.

Abstract: A technical cap is provided formed of composite material and a method utilizing the technical cap for the production of fizzy and sparkling wine through fermentation in a bottle capped by the technical cap and re-fermentation in a bottle to which fizzy and sparkling wine fermented in an autoclave has been transferred unfiltered by a pressurized bottler. The method includes maintaining the secondary fermentation or re-fermentation yeasts inside the bottle and the re-fermented wine inside the bottle is not oxidized, due to the lack of oxygen so that sulfites need not be added to the re-fermented wine for preservation, when the re-fermentation yeasts and sediment following fermentation are removed from the bottle.

Abstract: Cycloserine resistant mutants of lactic acid bacteria characterized by having improved resistance towards ethanol. The cycloserine resistant mutants of lactic acid bacteria can e.g. be used for malolactic fermentations of wine (i.e. including sparkling wine such as Cava/champagne) having high alcohol levels.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the improvement of the organoleptic properties of must, non-fermented and fermented beverages. The vines are treated before harvesting grapes with a yeast composition to balance sugar and phenolic maturity in the grapes. The grapes are harvested and processed to produce must, non-fermented and fermented beverages having improved organoleptic properties. There is also provided must, non-fermented and fermented beverages having improved organoleptic properties obtained by the process described above.

Abstract: Primary fermentation of grape must can be performed in rectangular vessels, such as conventional fruit picking bins, while providing a comparable surface area to volume ratio of toasted or plain oak to barrel fermentation. The oak or any other wood is provided in the form of planks that are supported in a stacked and spaced apart arrangement in a supporting frame that sits within the bin. The frame and oak can be removed together when sufficient oak flavor has been extracted or before pressing the juice from the must to complete secondary fermentation. The wood and or frame can also provide a means to submerse the cap that forms in primary fermentation.

Abstract: The invention relates to temperature-stable polypeptides with ?-pyranosidase activity. The polypeptide substrates include ?-glucopyranosides und ?-xylopyranosides. Said polypeptides can be expressed alone or as fusion proteins for example in yeast or bacteria and subsequently purified. The polypeptides according to said invention can be used alone or in a mixture with other enzymes for the degradation of plant raw materials, among others for the enzymatic degradation of biomass containing lignocellulose, in particular hemicellulose and the hemicellulose component xylan. Said enzymes are suitable for use in textile processing, as an additive of detergents, or in the food or feed industry.

Abstract: A grape treatment and wine making process characterised by the steps of: cleaning a first container by means of a fluid mixed with ozone; placing the grapes in said first container in closed vats and/or buildings at controlled temperature; diffusing a fluid mixed with ozone within said vats and/or buildings at controlled temperature; cleaning said grapes placed in said first container by means of a fluid mixed with ozone; cleaning a press by means of a fluid mixed with ozone; pressing said grapes with said press to produce must; cleaning a second container by means of a fluid mixed with ozone; placing said must in said second container to produce fermented must; cleaning a third container by means of a fluid mixed with ozone; placing said fermented must (wine) in said third container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for fermenting natural products with salt and fermented extracts prepared thereby. The method comprises: adding a predetermined amount of salt to at least one of natural products, including medicinal herbs and cereals; naturally fermenting the salted material; and extracting the fermented salted material with a solvent. Accordingly, the method can prevent the growth of various bacteria, including putrefactive bacteria, E. coli and anaerobic bacteria, which are harmful to the human body, in the natural product, and it also can prevent the generation of bed smells in the natural product. The fermented extract prepared by the method has fewer side effects and is safer than fermented extracts prepared by conventional fermentation methods.

Abstract: Culturally modified lactic acid bacterial cells containing a porphyrin compound and their use in a novel method of reducing the oxygen content in a food and feed product or starting material is provided and means of improving the shelf life and/or quality of such products by using the culturally modified bacterial cells. Such culturally modified cells are useful in the manufacturing of a food and a feed product and for the manufacturing of metabolites produced by modified cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for reducing H2S levels in fermented beverages.

Abstract: In order to affect all the liquid mass of a vegetal product in the form of pressed product with a gas, the method provides for (i) storing the pressed product in a first tank to make it ferment therein; (ii) introducing, in the liquid portion contained in the first tank, an amount of oxygenating gases or fermentation promoter gases, such as air and/or oxygen, CO2, nitrogen, argon or a gas in general, wherein said amount is introduced in a substantially instantaneous manner and is suitable for forming one or more macro-bubbles that going up affect and stir substantially all the volume of the liquid portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for producing Saccharomyces strains that are capable of growth on xylose as a sole carbon source at a desired growth rate, (such as at least one generation per 48 hours), strains made by such methods, and Saccharomyces strains that grow at a growth rate of at least one generation per 48 hours using xylose as a sole carbon source for growth made by non-recombinant methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified industrial yeast strains that show reduced hydrogen sulfide production. In one embodiment the invention provides an industrial yeast strain comprising a modification in a MET5 gene and/or a MET10 gene which results in reduced hydrogen sulfide production when compared to the corresponding industrial yeast strain without the modification. The present invention also relates to methods of manufacturing these modified industrial yeast strains and their use in the production of fermented products.