Nitrogen is one of the most common inert gases in the food industry, and winemaking is no exception. It is applied both during production and throughout storage and logistics to preserve wine quality, prevent oxidation, and stabilise flavour.
Key applications of nitrogen in winemaking:
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Creating an inert atmosphere in barrels and tanks
By displacing oxygen from vessels used for maturation and storage, nitrogen limits oxidation — the principal cause of aroma and flavour degradation — thus maintaining freshness over time.
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Protecting oak chips
When oak chips (often called “wine chips” in Russian) are used to shape flavour, nitrogen helps protect the wood from oxidation before use, keeping its aromatic profile stable.
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Assisting with clarification and racking
For separating wine from lees or sediment, nitrogen can be used to push wine from one vessel to another, minimising oxygen pickup during racking/decanting and helping preserve sensory quality.
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Supporting fermentation conditions
Maintaining a low-oxygen, inert atmosphere with nitrogen around fermenters helps create stable conditions for controlled fermentations.
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Displacing gases in storage vessels before filling
Nitrogen is used to purge oxygen (and condition the headspace) in tanks before wine is transferred, reducing microbial activity and protecting the product.
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Creating a fine-bubble, creamy texture in “nitrogenated” wines
Introducing nitrogen produces very small bubbles and a softer mouthfeel; while not equivalent to traditional bottle fermentation with CO₂, it can achieve a light sparkling effect in low-alcohol or speciality styles.
On-site nitrogen generators have become common in wineries because they produce high-purity nitrogen on demand without relying on cylinders, lowering costs and improving control. Generators also allow precise adjustment of nitrogen flow and purity, reduce waste, and streamline cellar operations. Overall, nitrogen helps preserve wine quality, prevent oxidation and flavour loss, support stable fermentations, and — when produced on site — makes winery processes more economical and convenient.