Wine Fermentation & Storage Tanks Explained | Types, Uses & Benefits

Table of Contents

• What is a Wine Container Called?
• What is Wine Storage Called?
• What are Wine Bottles Called?
• What is Another Name for a Wine Box?
• What is an Alcohol Tank?
• Specialized Wine Tanks Explained
• Chenma’s Premium Wine Tank Solutions
• Choosing the Right Wine Tank
• Why Stainless Steel Reigns Supreme
• FAQs on Wine Containers & Storage

What is a Wine Container Called?

In winemaking terminology, vessels for fermentation and aging are primarily called wine tanks or fermenters. These containers come in various forms:

• Fermentation Tanks: For primary alcoholic fermentation
• Variable Capacity Tanks: Adjustable volume containers with floating lids
• Barrels: Traditional oak containers for aging
• Charmat Tanks: Pressurized vessels for sparkling wine production

Modern wineries increasingly use stainless steel wine tanks due to their hygienic properties and precise temperature control. Unlike porous materials, stainless steel prevents oxygen permeability and bacterial contamination, ensuring consistent quality.

What is Wine Storage Called?

Professional wine storage is referred to as cellaring or aging in bond. The dedicated facility is called a:

• Wine Cellar: Underground storage with natural temperature/humidity control
• Bonded Warehouse: Government-supervised storage for tax-deferred aging
• Wine Cave: Natural or artificial caves maintaining ideal conditions

For commercial operations, variable capacity wine tanks with floating lids are essential. These innovative containers allow adjustable headspace to minimize oxidation during aging. Chenma’s tanks feature:

• Food-grade 304/316L stainless steel construction
• Insulation layers maintaining ±1°C temperature stability
• Integrated cooling jackets for precise thermal control

What are Wine Bottles Called?

Wine bottles have specific classifications based on size and shape:

Bottle Type	Capacity	Common Use
Standard	750ml	Most commercial wines
Magnum	1.5L	Premium aging wines
Jeroboam	3L	Champagne/Sparkling
Bordeaux	High shoulders	Cabernet, Merlot
Burgundy	Sloping shoulders	Pinot Noir, Chardonnay

Before bottling, wines undergo clarification in bright tanks – specialized vessels designed for sediment removal and final stabilization. Chenma’s bright tanks feature conical bottoms and racking arms for efficient lees separation.

What is Another Name for a Wine Box?

Alternative wine packaging includes:

• Bag-in-Box (BIB): Collapsible bladder in cardboard box (3-5L capacity)
• Kegs: Stainless steel containers for draft wine systems
• Tetra Pak: Aseptic cartons for budget wines
• Wine Cask: Traditional term for boxed wine containers

For bulk storage before packaging, wineries use cellar tanks with capacities up to 50,000 liters. Chenma’s cellar tanks feature:

• Dimple jacket cooling systems for uniform temperature
• Rotary CIP spray balls for automated cleaning
• Adjustable legs for ergonomic draining

What is an Alcohol Tank?

Alcohol tanks are specialized vessels designed for fermentation, storage, and processing of alcoholic beverages. Key types include:

• Fermenters: For sugar-to-alcohol conversion
• Bright Tanks: For clarification and stabilization
• Aging Tanks: For flavor development
• Charmat Tanks: Pressurized vessels for sparkling wine

Premium alcohol tanks like Chenma’s 5000L Charmat Tank feature:

• 6bar working pressure for secondary fermentation
• Dual cooling zones with dimple jacket technology
• PT100 temperature sensors with ±0.1°C accuracy
• Side-mounted agitators (1.5kW) for consistent lees contact

Specialized Wine Tanks Explained

Variable Capacity Tanks

Also known as floating lid tanks, these feature:

• Adjustable headspace to minimize oxidation
• Silicoseal barriers preventing air contact
• Ideal for barrel-to-barrel topping

Charmat Method Tanks

For sparkling wine production:

• Pressure-rated construction (6-8bar)
• Dome top/bottom for structural integrity
• Integrated carbonation systems

Chenma’s pressure tanks undergo rigorous testing to ensure safety during secondary fermentation.

Chenma’s Premium Wine Tank Solutions

5000L Stainless Steel Charmat Tank Specifications

Feature	Specification
Material	Sanitary 304 Stainless Steel
Capacity	5000L (Effective)
Dimensions	Ø1700mm × 4052mm
Pressure Rating	6bar working pressure
Cooling System	Dimple plate jacket with glycol
Insulation	100mm polyurethane
Accessories	CIP system, PT100 sensor, sample valve, agitator

Key Advantages

• Precision Control: Dual cooling zones maintain ideal fermentation temperatures
• Hygienic Design: Automated CIP system achieves 99.99% sanitation
• Pressure Safety: Certified relief valves and pressure gauges
• Ergonomic Access: Side manways and ladder hooks for maintenance

Explore our 2025 stainless steel tank series for advanced features like IoT monitoring.

Choosing the Right Wine Tank

Consider these factors when selecting fermentation equipment:

Capacity Planning

• Micro-wineries: 500-2,000L fermentation tanks
• Commercial operations: 5,000-50,000L cellar tanks

Feature Prioritization

• Red wines: Open-top fermenters for punch-down capability
• White wines: Closed tanks with temperature control
• Sparkling wines: Pressure-rated Charmat tanks

Chenma offers custom solutions with 100+ configuration options.

Why Stainless Steel Reigns Supreme

Advantages over traditional materials:

Material	Lifespan	Porosity	Maintenance
Stainless Steel	25+ years	Non-porous	CIP compatible
Oak Barrels	5-7 years	Porous	Manual cleaning
Concrete	15-20 years	Semi-porous	Specialized chemicals

Chenma’s TIG-welded tanks feature:

• Electropolished interiors (Ra ≤0.5μm)
• Sanitary tri-clamp fittings
• Compliance with FDA/EC1935 standards

FAQs on Wine Containers & Storage

Q: How long can wine age in stainless steel tanks?
A: Up to 18 months with proper inert gas protection. Variable capacity tanks extend aging potential.

Q: Can stainless steel tanks develop “reduction” aromas?
A: Properly designed tanks with gas flushing systems prevent reduction issues.

Q: What’s the ideal temperature for red wine fermentation?
A: 25-30°C (77-86°F). Chenma’s jacketed tanks maintain ±0.5°C precision.