The Application of Gases in Oenology for Optimal Wine Preservation

Table of Contents

• The role of gases in oenology and winemaking
• Coravin: wine preservation through argon injection
• Wikeeps: the essential balance of gases for wine service
• Frequently Asked Questions

The role of gases in oenology and winemaking

An opened bottle of still wine begins oxidising within hours, fundamentally altering its chemical compounds and aromatic concentration. The transition from the gaseous phase to dissolved oxygen dictates a wine’s lifespan. While ambient air acts as the primary catalyst for oxidation, specific protective gases—namely argon, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide—serve a critical protective role in stabilising the liquid.

During the winemaking process and vinification, winegrowers traditionally employ argon or nitrogen in their vats. This oenological gas inerting process establishes a physical barrier against oxygen, maintaining the wine’s intrinsic quality and preventing premature oxygenation before bottling. Such oenological expertise dictates that preserving a wine’s character requires strict environmental control.

Argon, an inert noble gas with a higher density than air, creates a protective blanket over wine that prevents oxidation during storage and wine preservation. Modern wine production relies on sophisticated preservation systems that utilise cartridges filled with 100% natural, neutral gases—primarily argon and dioxyde compounds—to maintain the quality and freshness of opened bottles, especially still wines with higher dissolved CO₂. By displacing oxygen, argon extends the drinking window without altering flavour profiles or affecting fermentation analysis, making it essential expertise in oenology. This protection method has become fundamental to contemporary enology practices, establishing the foundation of argon-based vin preservation techniques and safeguarding the integrity of wine within each bouteille..

Coravin: wine preservation through argon injection

The Coravin system extracts wine without removing the cork, displacing the liquid with pure argon gas. As an inert noble gas, argon possesses a higher density than air, forming a dense blanket over the remaining liquid. The elastic properties of natural cork seal the puncture, allowing the bottle to rest for months in the cellar. This method provides strict control over the wine’s evolution and compound preservation, though it requires specific oenological expertise and handling during service.

Wikeeps: the essential balance of gases for wine service

Wikeeps approaches wine preservation differently, specifically engineered for the daily demands of serving wine by the glass. We utilise an exclusive oenology gas mixture comprising 80% argon and 20% CO₂, manufactured to strict food-grade standards by Linde. This specific formula acts as a protective shield that preserves the wine’s organoleptic qualities for up to 30 days after opening.

TThe Essential Kit offers a French-patented system that uses a neutral oenological gas blend of argon and CO₂ to create an inert atmosphere inside opened still wines. By injecting this specialised gas through a dispenser gun, the kit enables precise pouring, filtration, and aeration while protecting the wine from oxidation, preserving its aromas and flavour compounds for up to 30 days. The package includes a central dome, preservative caps, a spout, a filter, and instructions, making it suitable for professionals and enthusiasts seeking reliable wine preservation without altering taste through oenology gas preservation and expert oenological support.

Wikeeps patent

The carbon dioxide component in this blend is deliberate. The precise concentration of CO₂ actively balances the dissolved CO₂ naturally present from the fermentation process. Where 100% argon can occasionally strip a delicate vintage and feel astringent, this calibrated integration sustains the wine’s structural tension throughout its service life. Quality assurance testing confirms these parameters align closely with the rigorous OIV oenology gas standards.

Sparkling wine preservation and effervescence control

Sparkling wine loses its character differently from still wine: the bubbles simply dissipate rather than the wine oxidising. The Sentinel system is a portable, fully mechanical solution designed for wine professionals to preserve opened Champagne and other sparkling wines using a specialised oenological gas blend of CO₂ and N₂. By sealing the bottle with a Smart Cap and injecting the inert gas for a few seconds, the system maintains the wine’s bubbles and aromas for over a week, allowing bars, restaurants, and wine tourism venues to serve sparkling wine by the glass without waste. Built on oenology expertise and advanced gas preservation technology, the equipment includes refillable 600 ml cartridges, pressure-regulated spray guns, and durable wood and stainless-steel components, offering a straightforward, chemical-free method to keep sparkling wines at their optimal quality and concentration using oenology gas.