Abstract
Currently there is a concern in the international winemaking world regarding the presence of molds in the winery, since molds are responsible for the presence of ochratoxin A (OTA) and cork taint in wines. Being aware of the methods of dissemination of these microorganisms will serve as an effective instrument to control them. The presence of molds in the air was analyzed in four different areas (cask, vinification area, bottle cellar and bottling line) in three wineries of the “Rioja” appellation with different characteristics of design, output capacity and age. Samples were taken four times during the year (winter, spring, summer and fall). The winery design was a conditioning factor in the levels of relative humidity and temperature which determined the total counts of molds in the air. However, design did not influence the distribution of the main types of molds (Penicillium and Cladosporium) found in the different areas studied. The activity being conducted in each part of the winery, mainly when the grapes are brought in and when auxiliary materials are being handled, affected the total number of molds present in the air at specific times. Hence a relationship could be established between the activity in the winery and the diversity index. In addition, the older wineries had a much higher Diversity Index than those values recorded in the most recently constructed winery. This work shows the aspects which need to be considered in order to control levels of airborne molds in the wineries, beginning with the right kind of design to allow the establishment of an effective system for controlling the temperature and relative humidity.
- ©2014 by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture
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