What are Crushers and Destemmers and What are They Used For?
Crushers and destemmers facilitate the preparation of grapes for wine by transforming them into must ready for fermentation.
In particular, crushing and destemming are two crucial stages in winemaking, and these machines perform both tasks with precision and efficiency:
- Crushers are responsible for breaking the grape berries by crushing them between two very closely spaced rollers. This process, called crushing, is essential to ensure that the juice is released from the berries, preparing them for fermentation.
- Destemmers, on the other hand, separate the berries from the stems, which is the woody part of the cluster. This is an important step because the stems can negatively affect the taste of the wine if not removed, and it is called destemming.
These machines are usually composed of:
- Crushing rollers: Generally made of stainless steel or corrosion-resistant materials. These rollers, located inside the machine, work in pairs to crush the grape berries. Their close positioning ensures the breaking of the berries and the release of the juice.
- Destemming drum: It is a perforated cylinder that rotates inside the machine. The berries are separated from the stems thanks to the centrifugal movement of the drum. The holes in the drum allow the berries to pass while the stems are expelled.
- Frame: Constructed of stainless steel or other robust materials, the frame supports the entire structure of the machine. In advanced models, the frame is openable, facilitating cleaning and inspection.
- Pump: Present in destemmers with a pump, this component transfers the must from the machine to the tub or fermentation tank. The pump is resistant to corrosion and wear, ensuring long-lasting and optimal performance.
- Electric motor: Used in electric machines, the motor provides the necessary power for the operation of the rollers and the drum. The rated power varies from 1 HP to 3 HP depending on the model and production needs.
- Trolley: A structure that allows lifting the machine and placing a tub underneath to collect the must. This component is typical of trolley crushers and crusher-destemmers.
How Do Crushers and Destemmers Work?
- Grape Feeding: The grapes are poured into the machine's hopper, which acts as an entry tank. The hopper guides the grapes towards the crushing rollers.
- Crushing: The grape berries are crushed by the rollers, which break the skin and allow the juice to escape. In trolley models, the must falls directly into the tub placed under the machine.
- Destemming: In devices that include this function, the grapes pass through the destemming drum. The centrifugal movement separates the berries from the stems, which are expelled through a dedicated outlet.
- Must Transfer: In destemmers with a pump, the must is transferred from the machine to the tub or tank via the stainless steel pump. This system is particularly useful for large-scale operations.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: After use, it is essential to thoroughly clean the machine. Models with an openable frame facilitate this operation by allowing full access to the internal components.
Advantages of Crushers and Destemmers
These machines not only improve work efficiency but also contribute to obtaining a high-quality final product. Here is a detailed list of the main advantages of these tools:
- Operational Efficiency: Crushers and destemmers significantly speed up the grape preparation process compared to manual methods. The ability to process large quantities of grapes in a short time is essential for wineries producing wine on a large scale.
- Must Quality: These machines allow precise crushing and destemming, avoiding excessive damage to the berries. This preserves the quality of the juice and minimizes the presence of stems that can negatively affect the taste of the wine.
- Ease of Use: Electric models are particularly easy to use, requiring minimal effort from the operator. Even manual versions are designed to be intuitive and easy to manage.
- Durability and Robustness: Built with high-quality materials such as stainless steel, these machines are designed to last over time and resist corrosion. This makes them a long-term investment for any winemaker.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Models with an openable frame facilitate the internal cleaning of the machine, essential for maintaining high hygiene standards and prolonging the machine's life.
- Mobility: Trolley destemmers with a pump are equipped with wheels that allow easy movement of the machine. This feature is particularly useful for wineries that need to move machinery between different work areas.
Types of Crushers and Destemmers
There are different types of destemmers and crushers. Knowing the characteristics and functionalities of each type is essential to choose the right machine. On AgriEuro, three main types of grape crushing and destemming machines are available:
- Trolley Crushers
- Trolley Crusher-Destemmers
- Destemmers with Pump
Trolley Crushers
Trolley crushers are machines designed to break grape berries through compression between two closely spaced rollers. This type is ideal for those looking for a simple yet effective solution for grape crushing.
- Operation: The berries are crushed between the rollers, causing the juice to escape. The produced must falls directly into the tub placed under the machine, supported by the trolley.
- Power Supply: These machines can be manual or electric. Electric versions offer greater speed and ease of use.
- Trolley Configuration: The trolley allows lifting the machine and conveniently placing a tub under it, making must collection simple and efficient.
Trolley crushers are suitable for small producers and hobbyists who need a reliable and easy-to-use machine. The trolley structure facilitates the positioning and collection of the must, while the robustness of the rollers ensures effective crushing.
Trolley Crusher-Destemmers
Trolley crusher-destemmers combine the functions of crushing and destemming in a single machine. This versatility makes them particularly useful for those seeking a complete solution for grape processing.
- Operation: The berries are first crushed by the rollers and then separated from the stems through the destemming drum. The must is collected in the tub placed under the machine.
- Power Supply: Available in manual and electric versions, electric machines offer greater efficiency and ease of use.
- Trolley Configuration: The trolley structure allows lifting the machine and placing a tub to collect the must and stems separately.
These machines are ideal for winemakers who want to combine crushing and destemming in a single process, saving time and space. The trolley configuration facilitates the collection of the must and stems, improving operational efficiency.
Destemmers with Pump
Destemmers with pump are designed for large-scale operations where rapid and efficient must transfer is required.
- Operation: After destemming, the must is transferred from the machine to the tub or tank via a stainless steel pump.
- Power Supply: These machines are predominantly electric, offering high processing capacities and speed.
- Trolley Configuration: Equipped with wheels for easy movement, these machines can be easily transported between different work areas. The stainless steel pump ensures rapid and hygienic must transfer.
Destemmers with pump are ideal for large wineries and professional producers who need an efficient machine to process large quantities of grapes. The stainless steel pump ensures must transfer without contamination, maintaining high quality standards.
Technical Features of Crushers and Destemmers
Crushers and destemmers are designed with a series of technical features that determine their efficiency, robustness, and versatility. Knowing these features is essential to choose the model that best suits your winemaking needs.
Power Supply
Destemmers and crushers can be powered manually or electrically. The choice of power supply depends on the user's specific needs and the expected workload.
- Electric: Electric machines are ideal for large-scale operations. They offer greater speed and ease of use, significantly reducing manual workload. These models are particularly suitable for wineries and professional producers.
- Manual: Manual machines are suitable for small productions and for those who want more control over the crushing and destemming process. They are generally more economical and easy to maintain, making them ideal for hobbyists and small producers.
Configuration
The configuration of the machines can vary between trolley models and trolley models with pump. Each configuration offers specific operational advantages.
- Trolley: This configuration allows lifting the machine and placing a tub under it to collect the must. It is particularly useful for facilitating the collection and transfer of the must in small operations.
- Trolley with Pump: Trolley machines are equipped with wheels for easy movement. The integrated stainless steel pump allows transferring the must directly into the tub or tank, making these machines ideal for large-scale operations.
Rated Power
The rated power of the machines generally varies from 1 HP to 3 HP. This data indicates the commercial power attributed to the machine, which may differ from the actual power measured at the motor shaft.
- 1 HP: Suitable for small operations and hobby use, offering good efficiency for limited volumes of grapes.
- 2 HP: Provides a balance between power and cost, making it ideal for medium-sized wineries.
- 3 HP: Indicated for large wineries and professional producers, this power allows handling large volumes of grapes with high efficiency.
Maximum Hourly Production
The production capacity of the machines varies from 700 to 3000 kg/h. This parameter indicates the amount of grapes the machine can process in an hour.
- 700 kg/h: Suitable for small productions and for those with a limited workload.
- 1500 kg/h: Ideal for medium-sized wineries, offering good production capacity without compromising the quality of the must.
- 3000 kg/h: Perfect for large producers, this capacity ensures the handling of large quantities of grapes in reduced times.
Centrifugal Motion Drum
Some models are equipped with a centrifugal motion drum that improves the efficiency of destemming compared to traditional systems.
- More Efficient: The centrifugal motion separates the berries from the stems more quickly and accurately, reducing processing times.
- Better Must Quality: The precise separation of berries from stems preserves the quality of the must, avoiding unwanted contamination.
Openable Frame
Machines with an openable frame are easier to inspect and clean, ensuring simple and quick maintenance.
- Ease of Cleaning: Full access to internal components facilitates cleaning, maintaining high hygiene standards.
- Quick Inspection: The openable frame allows easy checking of the components' condition, ensuring optimal operation and prolonging the machine's life.
Stainless Steel Pump
Destemmers with a stainless steel pump offer superior resistance to corrosion and wear.
- Durability: Stainless steel ensures the pump's long life, making it virtually eternal.
- Corrosion Resistance: Ideal for use in the food sector, stainless steel resists corrosion caused by grape juice and other liquids.
Buying Guide for Crushers and Destemmers
Buying a crusher or destemmer requires careful evaluation of your needs and the technical features of the machines. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you find the machine that best suits your needs:
- Determine Production Volume: Evaluate the amount of grapes to be processed to choose the appropriate production capacity.
- Choose the Type of Power Supply: Decide between electric or manual power supply based on operational needs.
- Select the Configuration: Opt for a trolley or trolley with pump configuration based on available space and mobility needs.
- Evaluate Rated Power: Choose the power based on workload and specific needs.
- Consider Materials: Prefer machines with stainless steel components to ensure durability and corrosion resistance.
- Check Additional Features: Identify features that improve efficiency and must quality, such as the centrifugal motion drum and stainless steel pump.
By following this guide, you will be able to find the crusher or destemmer that best suits your needs, ensuring an efficient and high-quality winemaking process.
Below, we have listed what, in our opinion, can be useful guidelines to follow based on the different types of people who might need these machines.
Small Producers or Hobbyists
Small producers and hobbyists need machines that are easy to use and maintain, with a production capacity suitable for limited volumes of grapes.
- Production Capacity: A machine with a capacity of 700-1500 kg/h is ideal. This range is perfect for small productions and for those working on a domestic scale.
- Power Supply: Manual machines are often sufficient for this type of user. They offer more control over the process and are more economical. However, electric machines can be a valid choice for those who want greater speed and ease of use.
- Trolley Configuration: The trolley configuration allows placing a tub under the machine to easily collect the must. This configuration is useful for those working in small spaces.
- Rated Power: A power of 1 HP is generally adequate, providing enough force to process limited volumes of grapes without excessive energy consumption.
Crushers and Destemmers for Medium-Sized Wineries
Medium-sized wineries need machines that can handle moderate volumes of grapes efficiently and offer a good balance between performance and cost.
- Production Capacity: A machine with a capacity of 1500-2500 kg/h is ideal for these wineries. This range allows handling moderate volumes of grapes without compromising processing speed.
- Power Supply: Electric machines are preferable for their greater efficiency and ease of use compared to manual ones.
- Configuration: Both trolley and trolley with pump configurations can be suitable depending on operational needs and available space.
- Rated Power: A power of 2 HP offers a good balance between power and energy consumption, suitable for medium volumes of grapes.
- Materials and Construction: Stainless steel machines are ideal for their corrosion resistance and durability.
- Additional Features: A centrifugal motion drum and an openable frame can improve processing efficiency and facilitate maintenance.
Crushers and Destemmers for Large Wine Producers
Large wine producers require robust machines with high production capacity and advanced features to handle large volumes of grapes efficiently.
- Production Capacity: Machines with a capacity greater than 2500 kg/h are necessary to handle large volumes during the harvest.
- Power Supply: Electric machines are essential to offer the speed and power needed for large operations.
- Trolley Configuration with Pump: This configuration is ideal for large producers as it allows easy movement of the machine and rapid and hygienic must transfer via the stainless steel pump.
- Rated Power: A power of 3 HP is necessary to handle large volumes of grapes, ensuring high performance and efficient operation.
- Materials and Construction: Stainless steel is fundamental for resistance and durability, particularly in key components such as rollers, drums, and pumps.
- Additional Features: A centrifugal motion drum improves destemming efficiency, and an openable frame facilitates cleaning and maintenance. The stainless steel pump ensures must transfer without contamination.
The Best Brands of Crushers and Destemmers on AgriEuro
Choosing machinery from the best brands guarantees quality, reliability, and durability over time. Crushers and destemmers from renowned brands are designed with robust materials and advanced technologies, ensuring efficient operation and high-quality results. On AgriEuro, you will find a selection of the best brands, each with unique characteristics that make them suitable for different winemaking needs.
Why Buy on AgriEuro?
Buying a crusher or destemmer on AgriEuro represents a strategic choice to improve the winemaking process, ensuring efficiency, quality, and reliability. Here are the main reasons why it is worth choosing AgriEuro for your purchases:
- Fast and Free Shipping: Shipping is managed by AgriEuro's logistics centers, ensuring fast delivery times and no additional costs.
- Availability of Spare Parts: AgriEuro offers the possibility to order spare parts always available, ensuring continuity of operations and the longevity of the machines.
- Attentive and Personalized After-Sales Assistance: AgriEuro's customer service is available to provide support and personalized assistance, ensuring a quick and effective solution to any problem.
Discover the wide selection of crushers and destemmers available on AgriEuro and find the perfect machine for your winemaking needs. Take advantage of special offers and free shipping to improve your wine production with the best machinery on the market!
FAQ on Crushers and Destemmers
1. What are Destemming and Crushing?
Destemming and crushing are two fundamental stages in winemaking.
- Destemming involves removing the stems, i.e., the green twigs, from the grape clusters. This operation is carried out to prevent the stems from imparting a herbaceous and tannic flavor to the wine.
- Crushing, on the other hand, is the process of crushing the grape berries to extract the juice, known as must, which will be fermented to become wine.
During destemming, the grape clusters are passed through a machine called a destemmer that separates the stems from the berries. Crushing can be done by hand or with the aid of machines called crushers that gently crush the berries to release the must without excessively breaking the seeds, thus avoiding the release of bitter tannins.
2. When are Grapes Destemmed and Crushed?
Grapes are destemmed and crushed immediately after the harvest during the grape harvest. These processes are among the first stages of winemaking and must be carried out promptly to avoid unwanted fermentation and oxidation of the juice.
Timing is crucial to ensure the quality of the wine. The grape harvest generally takes place in late summer or early autumn when the berries have reached optimal ripeness. Immediately after the harvest, the clusters are transported to the winery, where they are destemmed and crushed. This rapid treatment ensures that the must is fresh and ready for fermentation.
3. What are Crushers and Destemmers for Grapes Used For?
Crushing is the first operation undergone by grapes after harvest to extract the juice and pulp from the berries to obtain the must. Crushing is conducted using machines called crushers. The grape crusher with rollers consists of a frame at the bottom of which one or two pairs of rollers are mounted, whose purpose is to crush the grapes inserted from above.
Following this, the separation of the stems from the crushed grapes, i.e., destemming, is conducted. The destemmer machine is a fundamental tool for transforming grapes into must: its purpose is to separate the berries from the grape stems.
The destemming process begins by introducing the grapes into the upper tank, which, through a helical system, is directed towards a first crushing. The resulting must is then stored in another section where, thanks to a paddle system, the berries are extracted from the stems. The importance of this procedure is significant as grape berries contain large amounts of tannic substances that could alter the taste of the wine, excessively highlighting its acidic notes.
4. What Does Destemming Consist Of?
Destemming is the process of removing the stems from grape clusters before crushing. This operation is performed to improve the quality of the must and consequently the final wine. Stems contain tannins and other substances that can impart a herbaceous and astringent flavor to the wine, so it is important to remove them.
The process is carried out using a machine called a destemmer, which mechanically separates the stems from the berries. Once destemmed, the berries are ready for crushing, while the stems are discarded or used for other purposes such as composting.
5. How Does a Destemmer Work?
The destemmer is a machine designed to separate the stems from the grape berries. The operation of the destemmer is relatively simple but effective.
The machine is equipped with a rotating drum with holes through which the berries pass while the stems are retained and separated.
Inside the drum, a system of paddles or beaters facilitates the separation of the stems from the berries. Once separated, the berries fall through the drum's holes and are collected for crushing, while the stems are expelled from another part of the machine. This mechanical process ensures that most of the stems are removed without damaging the berries, thus preserving the quality of the must.
6. What is Grape Crushing?
Grape crushing is the process of crushing the berries to extract the juice, called must, which will then be fermented to produce wine. This step is fundamental in winemaking and must be carried out carefully to avoid excessively breaking the seeds of the berries, which can release bitter tannins.
Crushing can be done manually or with the use of machines called crushers. Modern machines are designed to gently crush the berries, preserving the quality of the must. Crushing also allows the release of aromatic substances contained in the grape skin, contributing to the final wine's aromatic profile.
7. How Does a Crusher Work?
The crusher is a machine used to crush grape berries and obtain the must. The operation of the crusher is simple but effective. The grape berries are introduced into the machine, where they pass through rollers or paddles that gently crush them, releasing the juice.
There are different types of crushers, including:
- Roller Crushers: Two counter-rotating rollers crush the berries.
- Paddle Crushers: A series of paddles crush the berries against a grid.
- Crushers with Integrated Destemmer: Combine destemming and crushing in a single machine, separating the stems before crushing the berries.
Modern crushers are designed to minimize damage to the seeds and skins, thus preserving the quality of the must.
8. What Happens After Crushing?
After crushing, the obtained must is transferred into containers to start the fermentation process. This step is crucial for wine production and can be divided into several phases:
- Alcoholic Fermentation: Natural or added yeasts transform the sugars in the must into alcohol and carbon dioxide.
- Malolactic Fermentation: Lactic bacteria convert malic acid into lactic acid, softening the wine's acidity.
- Racking: The wine is separated from the lees, the solid residues of fermentation.
- Aging: The wine is left to mature in wooden barrels or steel tanks to develop its aromas and flavors.
9. What is Obtained from Crushing?
From grape crushing, the must is obtained, the fresh juice that will be fermented to produce wine. The must contains natural sugars, acids, tannins, and aromatic compounds essential for the final wine's quality.
The must can be treated in different ways depending on the type of wine to be produced:
- White Wine: The must is separated from the skins before fermentation.
- Red Wine: The must ferments together with the skins to extract color and tannins.
- Rosé Wine: The must is left in contact with the skins for a short period before separation and fermentation.
Each method of must treatment affects the aromatic profile and taste of the final wine, making crushing a crucial step in winemaking.
10. What is Wine Racking?
Racking is a step in winemaking that consists of separating the must from the solid parts (skins, seeds, and stems) immediately after crushing and, if necessary, during or after alcoholic fermentation. This process is essential to obtain a clean wine free of solid residues, thus improving the final product's quality.
During racking, the must is transferred to another container, leaving the solid parts at the bottom of the first vessel. This step can be performed manually or with the aid of specific machines such as peristaltic pumps or membrane presses. Racking allows the removal of unwanted components that can negatively affect the wine's taste and stability.
Racking is particularly important in the production of white and rosé wines, where prolonged contact of the must with the skins is avoided to maintain the wine's freshness and delicacy. In red wines, racking usually occurs after fermentation to separate the wine from the skins and seeds, thus contributing to the wine's character definition.
11. What are the Stages of Winemaking?
Winemaking is the process of transforming grapes into wine and includes several fundamental stages, each of which plays a crucial role in determining the final product's quality. Here are the main stages of winemaking:
- Harvesting: Grapes are harvested by hand or mechanically when they have reached optimal ripeness.
- Destemming and Crushing: The clusters are destemmed to remove the stems and then crushed to extract the must.
- Alcoholic Fermentation: Yeasts transform the sugars in the must into alcohol and carbon dioxide. This process can last from a few days to several weeks.
- Racking: The fermented wine is separated from the lees, the solid residues of fermentation.
- Malolactic Fermentation: In red wines and some whites, malic acid is converted into lactic acid, reducing acidity and softening the wine.
- Aging: The wine is left to mature in wooden barrels, steel tanks, or bottles to develop its aromas and flavors. Aging can last from a few months to several years.
- Filtration and Stabilization: The wine is filtered to remove any residual particles and stabilized to prevent alterations during bottling.
- Bottling: The wine is packaged in bottles and sealed for distribution and consumption.