Wine does not only live in kvevri: GRAVNER chooses our solutions for wine maturation.

PFAUDLER Glass-Lined tanks enter the cellar in Oslavia.

Joško Gravner, one of the masters of Italian winemaking, considered by many to be the father of the orange wine, has always been an indomitable innovator, searching for the right vat to birth his wines. Supported by his nephew Gregor Pietro, Gravner has recently explored new frontiers for wine maturation, analyzing the use of glass-lined material for its inertness, resistance and ease of cleaning.

The search for new solutions to complement the use of buried amphorae has led Gravner to choose the PFAUDLER brand and GMM Pfaudler group as partners to supply four glass-lined tanks, each with capacity of 70 hectoliters, for the production process in the Oslavia winery. This choice combines the strength of steel with the chemical resistance of glass, making it possible to manage larger volumes compared to traditional glass containers, while ensuring high quality and hygiene standards for the contents.

The meticulous initial design and subsequent production phases of the tanks include an internal glassing process on the steel, which involves the application of a base layer followed by additional covering layers. Each glassing phase is followed by a heat treatment at around 900°C, causing the steel and the glass to fuse permanently, transforming them into a true composite material.

The glass coating ensures a smooth, non-porous surface that is highly hygienic and does not release unwanted substances, making it ideal for storing and ageing wine.

In addition to ensuring a long operational life, the glass-lined tanks are fully recyclable, helping to reduce the environmental impact and promote sustainability.

"The constant pursuit of innovation is never an end in itself but arises from our desire to improve every aspect of the production process while remaining true to our roots", says Mateja Gravner. "The collaboration with GMM Pfaudler group enables us to tackle the challenge of optimizing normal production volumes through new storage solutions, without compromising the quality of the wine. The quest for perfection in wine plays a fundamental and invaluable role in our process, enabling us to continue doing what we love".

"The collaboration between GMM Pfaudler group and Gravner represents a significant step for both companies, leaders in their respective sectors. It is a meeting of industrial research and nature that opens up new opportunities, markets, and solutions for both brands," emphasizes Mauro Bona, Regional Sales Manager of Pfaudler Italia. "For Gravner, it means inserting cutting-edge technologies into its historic winemaking production, while for GMM Pfaudler, it is an opportunity to demonstrate the adaptability of its technologies in a growing sector, contributing to the evolution of an established leader like Gravner".

ABOUT GRAVNER WINE ESTATE

The Gravner wine estate was established in 1901 in Oslavia, on the border between Collio, in the province of Gorizia (Italy) and Brda (Slovenia). Gravner is a small family business where three generations work together. In 1997, they were the first to carry out the vinification process in big clay amphoras (qvevri), prioritising the cultivation of local native varieties, including the Ribolla Gialla. Visit www.gravner.it/en to find out more.

ABOUT GMM Pfaudler GROUP

GMM Pfaudler Ltd delivers corrosion-resistant technologies, systems, and services worldwide and remains the preferred choice by consistently providing its customers in the chemical, pharmaceutical and mining industries with innovative and cost effective solutions. GMM Pfaudler has 20 facilities with an extensive sales and service network and employs more than 2,000 people across 4 continents. As part of our global ambitions, we continue to make Big Moves that will allow our people, customers, and the communities we operate in to grow. For further information contact: mauro.bona@pfaudler.com