Additional Bottling Considerations

Guidelines for an Optimal Bottling Environment

1. Maintaining the Bottling Area:

   • Ensure the area is free from insects, particularly wine moths, to maintain a hygienic environment.
   • Keep the space well-ventilated and maintain a consistent temperature between 15°C and 20°C for optimal bottling conditions.

2. Bottle Preparation:

   • Only remove bottles from pallets when you're ready to start the bottling process.
   • Clean and thoroughly dry each bottle before use to ensure cleanliness and prevent contamination.

3. Storing Bottles:

   • Store your bottle pallets in a moderate, stable environment that is dry and free from mold. Avoid areas with wood treated with chloride compounds.
   • Use non-cardboard and non-wood composite materials to separate the bottles, ensuring safe and clean storage.

4. Handling Cork Stoppers:

   • Avoid soaking cork stoppers in water or wine as this can alter the taste and aroma of the wine.
   • If cleaning of the stoppers is necessary, use a sulfite (SO2) releasing solution to maintain their quality.

5. Preparing the Bottle Neck:

   • Ensure the inside of each bottle neck is clean and dry. This is crucial for the proper expansion and adherence of the cork stopper.

6. Positioning the Stopper:

   • Insert the stopper so that its top is no more than 1 mm below the top of the bottle neck, ideally around 0.5 mm. Incorrect positioning can affect the internal pressure and may lead to issues with sealing or capsule fitting.

7. Managing Stopper Humidity:

   • Cork stoppers with less than 4% humidity should be rehydrated, while those with more than 9% humidity need to be dried. These adjustments should be carried out at the supplier's facility to ensure proper handling and maintenance.