New egg shaped fermentor creates a buzz

An egg-shaped wooden wine fermentor captured the imaginations of visitors to the International Enological and Bottling Equipment Exhibition held in Milan last week. The unconventional design by Bordeaux-based master artisan Joseph François of French firm Foudrerie Francois is attracting interest from biodynamic producers who like the shape because it creates a natural vortex for the wine with no corners to disturb motion. In theory this vortex should constantly refresh lees contact and protect and enrich the wine - claims that have not yet been verified. The tank is beautifully crafted and costs 27000 euros.

This wasn't the only ovoid tank on display. FlexTank from Greece have developed the 230-gallon Apollo polymer egg tank which has already gained 1,200 customers in North America. The new ovoid form Apollo tank was released in 2011 and is priced at $700. Owner of FlexTank John Smeaton said the egg shape concentrates the cap during fermentation for deeper immersion and easier punchdown and the mouth is easily sealed against fruit flies and oxygen, permitting sanitary conditions for extended maceration.