Argon is defined as a noble gas; its presence in the Earth’s atmosphere is very rare, about 0.9 percent. Due to its chemical characteristics, argon is important in the production of quality wine because it is capable of optimizing and prolonging its preservation.

Let’s delve, then, into what argon is and at what stages of the wine supply chain it is used.

Argon gas: what it is and what it is used for

Argon is characterized by high molecular stability as well as extremely low reactivity. It is a nontoxic, nonflammable and, above all, an inert gas: because of these properties, it is widely used in various production sectors.

In addition to the wine supply chain, argon is also used to streamline processes and improve product quality in other food industry supply chains, mainly in the packaging stages

Argon gas and wine: uses and benefits

In enology, argon is used in storage stages to create atmospheres with reduced oxygen.

With argon, dissolved oxygen can be removed, operating both in the tank and in the pipeline during wine handling. It also enables:

• Protect wine in tank filling, holding, and emptying operations
• Transfer wine by push, without the aid of pumps
• Bottling wine in the absence of oxygen

Approfondisci qui la funzione protettiva dell’argon sul vino.

For these reasons, argon is defined as the useful gas from fermentation to bottling.

Once fermentation is complete, the wine undergoes further processing; in these, too, argon gas is used to protect the wine from oxidation and prolong its shelf life.

Viable alternative to CO₂ and nitrogen

Argon can be used as a substitute for nitrogen in inerting processes, having an even greater capacity to protect wine.

Heavier than nitrogen, argon stratifies over the wine, exerting more effective protection from oxygen, even in the event of reduced overpressure in the tanks.

Argon SIAD for wine production

The SIAD Group has nearly a century’s worth of expertise in the production of ultra-pure gases such as argon behind it, to the point that we set our processes as quality standards nationally and internationally.

Today, SIAD argon production, which is useful in winemaking processes, has reached high levels of efficiency thanks to the automation of the air fractionation process. The goal is to ensure maximum support for wineries and to accompany them on the path of rationalizing production toward achieving the necessary quality to compete in global markets.

We are available to players who want to innovate and ensure flexible supply arrangements and a range of ancillary services up to and including ad hoc plant design, technical advice and all-round support.