II.4.3.3 Storage in a closed tank

Definition :

Storage of the cuvee after tirage in a hermetically closed tank, during the period of secondary fermentation.

Objective :

To favour the secondary fermentation and also the contact of the wine with the deposit.

Prescriptions :

II.4.3.2 Tirage in a closed tank

Definition:

Operation that entails putting the cuvee, well blended with the tirage liqueur, into a pressure-resistant tank, with the addition of an inoculum of selected yeasts, and possibly of clarifying agents and activators of secondary alcoholic fermentation. All the outlets of the tank are then hermetically closed.

Objective :

II.4.3.1 Discontinuous secondary fermentation in a closed tank

Definition :

Secondary fermentation procedure in hermetically closed tanks.

Objective :

To produce sparkling wines in tanks in a discontinuous manner.

Prescriptions :

This process comprises the following operations :

II.4.3 Bulk second fermentation in a closed tank

II.4.2.6 Disgorging

Definition :

Elimination of the deposit gathered on the closure.

Objective :

To assure the clarity of the sparkling wine.

Prescriptions :

a)        The operation is facilitated by disgorging bottles after freezing the deposit gathered on the closure.

II.4.2.5 Inverting the bottles

Definition:

Placing the bottles with the head down.

Objective :

To keep the deposit on the cork in readiness for disgorging.

Prescription :

Avoid all re-suspension of the deposit.

Recommendation of  OIV:

Admitted

II.4.2.4 Riddling

Definition :

Sum of the operations designed to gather the deposit formed during the secondary fermentation on the closure of the bottle.

Objective :

To allow the elimination of the deposit by disgorging.

Prescriptions :

II.4.2.3 Placing on riddling racks

Definition:

Placing the bottles on the riddling racks.

Objective :

To facilitate the riddling operation.

Prescription :

During the placement on riddling racks, shake the bottles to detach the deposit from the inside.

II.4.2.2 Placing in stacks

Definition:

Storage of the bottle, laying down, after tirage, during the period of secondary fermentation.

Objective :

To favour the secondary fermentation and also the contact of the wine with the deposit.

Prescriptions :

II.4.2.1 Secondary fermentation in bottle

Definition:

Process in which the secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle.

Objective :

To produce sparkling wines according to this procedure.

Prescription :

To produce sparkling wines according to the following operations: