Fermentation tanks exist in many different models. And there will be more. At the Vinitech Show in early December some original things were presented. Among other things this vinification tank from oak barrel maker Radoux.
This hourglass-shaped tank has several advantages, it is claimed. One of them is that you can remove nothing but the pips if you like (while still keeping the skins in the tank). I first heard about removing the pips this September when I was visiting Val di Suga in Montalcino. I have never known this was something you actually wanted to do. Now I know. Removing the pips can sometimes be desirable. You never stop learning.
Also, I cannot resist showing you these adorable small steel tanks that goes by the name Ovni, that is objet de vinification non identifié, thus “unidentified vinification object “, which also is the French abbreviation for a flying saucer.
(We were not at Vinitech so we don’t have our own photos. Therefore you will have to follow the links to see the tanks.)