Microventilation system improves the ageing conditions in existent wine cellars

Background and Aims: The importance of indoor environmental conditions in a cellar is well known and continuously investigated. The process of wine ageing consists of several steps, during which temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) play a fundamental role as the quality of the final product is strongly related to stable and suitable environmental conditions. Critical factors, such as mould growth or wine evaporation, have emerged when ventilation has proved to be insufficient or poorly designed. The limitation of stagnant areas and the homogeneity inT and RH provide for proper wine conservation; however, unwanted local conditions can occur in the zones with insufficient air exchange. Methods and Results: Considering these aspects, a controlled microventilation and monitoring system was installed in a case study cellar, and T and RH were monitored for 1 year. The data have been analysed to investigate criticalities of the environmental conditions. The ventilation was activated in specific critical conditions to increase the homogeneity of the T and RH in the critical zones. The results show that the microventilation system improves the homogeneity of both T and RH without affecting the average values. Conclusions: The study demonstrated the efficacy of the system and indicated possible modifications to improve system performance. Significance of the Study: The system proved to be a useful tool for both improving the environmental conditions and providing useful information to the winemakers about the ageing conditions.