EP3953444A1

EP3953444A1 - Oak wood based micro-oxidation system

Info

Publication number: EP3953444A1
Application number: EP20786945.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Elyashiv DRORI
Original assignee: Ariel Scientific Innovations Ltd
Current assignee: Ariel Scientific Innovations Ltd
Priority date: 2019-04-09
Filing date: 2020-04-07
Publication date: 2022-02-16
Also published as: WO2020208637A1; EP3953444A4

Abstract

A gas delivery system, comprising: at least one tube; a gas delivering column interconnected to a distal end of said tube; where said sparging column is made of wood which does not degrade wine quality.

Description

OAK WOOD BASED MICRO-OXIDATION SYSTEM

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/831,226 filed on 9 April 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to a micro-oxidation system and, more particularly, but not exclusively, to the use of oak in a micro-oxidation system.

In some alcoholic beverages making process, like wine or whisky, the final stage is aging. This process aims to soften, in the example of wine, the perceived astringency, by polymerization of polyphenols, assisted by micro-oxygenation. In addition, the aging aims to adding aromas and complexity, usually through exposure of the wines to oak wood. Following the ethanolic fermentation, the majority of polyphenols are in a low degree of polymerization state. In the presence of oxygen these tend to polymerize into longer polymers (which are perceived as less bitter) in an accelerated rate. In addition, micro-oxygenation if applied correctly, may have high influence on wine color- polyphenols with low degree of polymerization can bind monomeric anthocyanins, and help in stabilizing wines color (Doumel, 1985).

Many volatile and non-volatile compound are extracted from the wood into the wine and influence its quality. The ellagitannins extracted from oak wood Ellagitannins are extracted from the wood when in contact with wine and have been reported to increase color intensity in red wines. In addition, it is suggested that the oxidative nature of ellagitannins contributed to the formation of anthocyanin-tannin adducts through the formation of hydroperoxy radicals. Ellagitannins have also been shown to bind covalently to a wide variety of grape-derived compounds including flavanols, anthocyanins and thiols (Saucier et al, 2006; Sousa et al., 2010, Oberholster et al, 2015), thus, the practice of oak aging of wine, which combines wood contact and natural micro -oxygenation is widely used.

Additional background art includes U.S. Patent Application No. US20170369825A1 disclosing“a container assembly for aging a liquid includes: a container that retains the liquid being aged, the container including a container aperture; and an oxygenator that is positioned adjacent to the container aperture, the oxygenator including a porous oxygenator membrane that allows for the flow of air into the container through the oxygenator membrane and the container aperture”. U.S. Patent No. US7722908B2 discloses“a container assembly for controlling rate of oxygen transfer from the atmosphere into a liquid stored in the container assembly having, a container with an oxygen permeability of 50 ml to 300 ml of oxygen per square meter of area of walls of the container for each millimeter of the thickness of the walls per 24 hour period at room temperature, a barrier member for providing a barrier to limit oxygen access from head space in the container to a surface of the liquid the barrier member having a construction which causes it to float on the liquid surface, and a peripheral flange surrounding the barrier member arranged so that it makes a slidable peripheral seal with the walls of the container”.

U.S. Patent No. US9032864B2 discloses“a container assembly for retaining a liquid during aging of the liquid comprises a container and an oxygenator. The container includes a container body that defines a chamber that receives and retains liquid. The oxygenator is positioned substantially within the chamber. The oxygenator includes a fluid source, one or more diffusers, and a valve. The one or more diffusers are in fluid communication with the fluid source. The valve selectively controls the introduction of a fluid from the fluid source into the liquid through the one or more diffusers. The container assembly further comprises an insert retainer assembly and one or more flavor inserts that are received and retained by the insert retainer assembly”.

Zhang B. et al, A review of polyphenolics in oak woods. Int J Mol Sci. 2015 Mar 27;16(4):6978-7014

Several aquarium products comprise wooden air stones for protein skimmers in aquariums, for example, the ones sold by Erwin Sander Elektroapparatebau Gmb.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Following is a non-exclusive list including some examples of embodiments of the invention. The invention also includes embodiments which include fewer than all the features in an example and embodiments using features from multiple examples, also if not expressly listed below.

Example 1. A gas delivery apparatus, comprising:

a. at least one tube;

b. a gas delivering column interconnected to a distal end of said tube; wherein said sparging column is made of a wood which is acceptable to use in wine.

Example 2. The apparatus of example 1, wherein the use of said wood does not degrade more than from about 10% to about 20% the quality profile of wine when compared to a desired wine profile quality. Example 3. The apparatus of any one of examples 1 or 2, wherein said quality profile of wine is performed by performing an analytical assessment of the contents of said wine.

Example 4. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-3, wherein said analytical assessment of the contents of said wine comprise assessing the quantity of one or more of: Alcohol by Volume, Acetic acid (volatile acidity), Fermentable Sugars, Total Acidity, L-Lactic Acid, L-Malic Acid, Free sulfur dioxide, Total sulfur dioxide, Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN), Gluconic Acid, Acetaldehyde (Ethanal), pH, Total Polyphenols Index, Glycerol, Colour (tonality and intensity), Total Polyphenols (Folin Ciocalteu), Total Anthocyanins, Polymerised Anthocyanins, HC1 Index and Tannins.

Example 5. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-4, wherein said assessment of the quality of the liquid is performed by sensory assessment performed by qualified personnel.

Example 6. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-5, wherein said wood is soaked with wine.

Example 7. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-6, wherein said gas delivering column is made of oak wood.

Example 8. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-7, wherein said wood is treated before use.

Example 9. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-8, wherein said treatment comprises toasting.

Example 10. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-9, wherein said treatment comprises seasoning.

Example 11. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-10, wherein said wood gas delivering column comprises a variety of tracheae organized with a direction from inside out.

Example 12. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-11, wherein said tracheae are from about 100 pm to about 400 pm in width.

Example 13. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-12, wherein said tracheae are from about 200 pm to about 500 pm in length.

Example 14. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-13, wherein said tracheae interconnect said tube with the outside of said wood gas delivering column.

Example 15. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-14, wherein said tracheae size together with a pressure from said gas are such that said gas exits said wood gas delivering column in the form of bubbles.

Example 16. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-15, wherein said bubbles comprise a size from about 900 pm to about 2000 pm. Example 17. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-16, wherein said wood gas delivering column is made of one piece of wood.

Example 18. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-17, wherein said wood gas delivering column is made of a composite of pieces of wood.

Example 19. The apparatus any one of examples 1-18, wherein the movement of oxygen through said wood gas delivering column and the contact with said liquid enable the diffusion of compounds from said wood gas delivering column to said liquid.

Example 20. The apparatus of any one of examples 1-19, wherein said compounds comprise polyphenols.

Example 21. A method of modifying a liquid in a container, comprising:

a. providing said container with said liquid inside of it;

b. forcing a gas through wood and into said liquid in an amount and for a time sufficient to cause a modification of a flavor thereof.

Example 22. The method of example 21, wherein said modifying comprises aging, fermentation, or any combination thereof.

Example 23. The method of any one of examples 21-22, wherein said forcing a gas is performed during all said amount of time.

Example 24. The method of any one of examples 21-23, wherein said forcing a gas is performed in pulses.

Example 25. The method of any one of examples 21-24, wherein said pulses are applied at a frequency from about 1 second to about 30 seconds.

Example 26. The method of any one of examples 21-25, wherein said the duration of said forcing a gas during said pulse is from about 1 millisecond to about 1 second.

Example 27. The method of any one of examples 21-26, wherein said forcing a gas is performed using reverse pressure, thereby inserting said liquid into said wood.

Example 28. The method of any one of examples 21-27, wherein said forcing a gas is performed at a pressure from about 0.05 bar to about 0.3 bar.

Example 29. The method of any one of examples 21-28, wherein said forcing a gas is performed at a rate of at least 1 liter gas per cm3.

Example 30. The method of any one of examples 21-29, further comprising providing taste compounds to said liquid while micro-oxygenating said liquid by enabling direct contact of said liquid with said sparging wood column, thereby allowing diffusion of said taste compounds from said sparging wood column to said liquid. Example 31. The method of any one of examples 21-30, wherein said taste compounds are polyphenols.

Example 32. The method of any one of examples 21-31, further comprising assessing said modification of said flavor by performing an analytical assessment of the contents of said wine.

Example 33. The method of any one of examples 21-32, wherein said analytical assessment of the contents of said wine comprise assessing the quantity of one or more of: Alcohol by Volume, Acetic acid (volatile acidity), Fermentable Sugars, Total Acidity, L-Lactic Acid, L-Malic Acid, Free sulfur dioxide, Total sulfur dioxide, Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN), Gluconic Acid, Acetaldehyde (Ethanal), pH, Total Polyphenols Index, Glycerol, Colour (tonality and intensity), Total Polyphenols (Folin Ciocalteu), Total Anthocyanins, Polymerised Anthocyanins, HC1 Index and Tannins.

Example 34. The method of any one of examples 21-33, further comprising assessing said modification of said flavor by performing a sensory assessment performed by qualified personnel.

According to an aspect of some embodiments of the present invention there is provided a gas delivery system, comprising: at least one tube; a gas delivering column interconnected to a distal end of said tube; where said sparging column is made of wood which does not degrade wine quality.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said gas delivering column is made of oak wood.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said wood is treated before use.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said treatment comprises toasting.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said treatment comprises seasoning.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said wood gas delivering column comprises a variety of tracheae organized with a direction from inside out.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said tracheae are from about 100 pm to about 400 pm in width.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said tracheae are from about 200 pm to about 500 pm in length.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said tracheae interconnect said tube with the outside of said wood gas delivering column. According to some embodiments of the invention, said tracheae size together with a pressure from said gas are such that said gas exits said wood gas delivering column in the form of bubbles.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said bubbles comprise a size from about 900 pm to about 2000 pm.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said wood gas delivering column is made of one piece of wood.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said wood gas delivering column is made of a composite of pieces of wood.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the movement of oxygen through said wood gas delivering column and the contact with said liquid enable the diffusion of compounds from said wood gas delivering column to said liquid.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said compounds comprise polyphenols.

In some embodiments, there is provided a method of modifying a liquid in a container, comprising:

a. providing said container with said liquid inside of it;

According to some embodiments of the invention, said modifying comprises aging, fermentation, or any combination thereof.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said forcing a gas is performed during all said amount of time.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said forcing a gas is performed in pulses.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said pulses are applied at a frequency from about 1 second to about 30 seconds.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the duration of said forcing a gas during said pulse is from about 1 millisecond to about 1 second.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said forcing a gas is performed using reverse pressure, thereby inserting said liquid into said wood.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said forcing a gas is performed at a pressure from about 0.05 bar to about 0.3 bar. According to some embodiments of the invention, said forcing a gas is performed at a rate of at least 1 liter gas per cm³.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the method further comprises providing taste compounds to said liquid while micro-oxygenating said liquid by enabling direct contact of said liquid with said sparging wood column, thereby allowing diffusion of said taste compounds from said sparging wood column to said liquid.

According to some embodiments of the invention, said taste compounds are polyphenols.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and/or scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the invention, exemplary methods and/or materials are described below. In case of conflict, the patent specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be necessarily limiting.

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, some embodiments of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Accordingly, some embodiments of the present invention may take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, micro code, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that may all generally be referred to herein as a“circuit,”“module” or“system.” Furthermore, some embodiments of the present invention may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon. Implementation of the method and/or system of some embodiments of the invention can involve performing and/or completing selected tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of some embodiments of the method and/or system of the invention, several selected tasks could be implemented by hardware, by software or by firmware and/or by a combination thereof, e.g., using an operating system.

For example, hardware for performing selected tasks according to some embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected tasks according to some embodiments of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, one or more tasks according to some exemplary embodiments of method and/or system as described herein are performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. Optionally, the data processor includes a volatile memory for storing instructions and/or data and/or a non-volatile storage, for example, a magnetic hard-disk and/or removable media, for storing instructions and/or data. Optionally, a network connection is provided as well. A display and/or a user input device such as a keyboard or mouse are optionally provided as well.

Any combination of one or more computer readable medium(s) may be utilized for some embodiments of the invention. The computer readable medium may be a computer readable signal medium or a computer readable storage medium. A computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the computer readable storage medium would include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

A computer readable signal medium may include a propagated data signal with computer readable program code embodied therein, for example, in baseband or as part of a carrier wave. Such a propagated signal may take any of a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, electro-magnetic, optical, or any suitable combination thereof. A computer readable signal medium may be any computer readable medium that is not a computer readable storage medium and that can communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium and/or data used thereby may be transmitted using any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless, wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for some embodiments of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including an object oriented programming language such as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The program code may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).

Some embodiments of the present invention may be described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readable medium produce an article of manufacture including instructions which implement the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other devices to produce a computer implemented process such that the instructions which execute on the computer or other programmable apparatus provide processes for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

Some of the methods described herein are generally designed only for use by a computer, and may not be feasible or practical for performing purely manually, by a human expert. A human expert who wanted to manually perform similar tasks, might be expected to use completely different methods, e.g., making use of expert knowledge and/or the pattern recognition capabilities of the human brain, which would be vastly more efficient than manually going through the steps of the methods described herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments of the invention are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings and images. With specific reference now to the drawings and images in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of embodiments of the invention. In this regard, the description taken with the drawings and images makes apparent to those skilled in the art how embodiments of the invention may be practiced.

In the drawings:

Figures la-b are images of micro-oxygenation systems currently in use and wood additives currently used in aging wine processes;

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of an exemplary micro-oxygenation system, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a is a schematic representation of an exemplary micro-oxygenation system, according to some embodiments of the present invention;

Figures 4a-b are schematic representations of an exemplary micro-oxygenation column, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and

Figure 5 is a schematic flowchart of an exemplary method, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Overview

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relate to micro-oxygenation systems, which provide the same or similar results as oxygenation wood-made containers. In some embodiments, oak wood is used as an oxygen diffuser. In some embodiments, the use of oak wood as an oxygen diffuser provides oxygenation and chemical extraction of wood constituents from said oak wood at the same time.

In some embodiments, a micro-oxygenator built from Oak wood, uses oak wood trachea as the vessel for the insertion of micro-air bubbles into the wine tank, thus combining in the same site high oak wood constituents and oxygen.

In some embodiments, other gases than oxygen are used. In some embodiments, the use of wood columns enables the oxygenation of the liquids while optionally and/or potentially slightly not degrading the quality of the liquid. In some embodiments, slightly not degrading the quality of the liquid means at least achieving the same quality result after oxygenation treatment with the use of the wood column as compared with quality result after oxygenation treatment without the use of the wood column. In some embodiments, slightly not degrading the quality of the liquid means that the use of wood does not degrade more than from about 10% to about 20% the quality profile of wine when compared to a desired wine profile quality. Optionally from about 5% to about 15%, optionally from about 3% to about 30%.

In some embodiments, the use of wood columns enables the oxygenation of the liquids while potentially improving the quality of the liquid. In some embodiments, improving the quality of the liquid is performed while comparing the same liquid after oxygenation treatment without the use of a wood column with the liquid after the oxygenation treatment used with the wood column. In some embodiments, assessment of the quality of the liquid is performed by analytical analysis. In some embodiments, assessment of the quality of the liquid is performed by sensory assessment performed by qualified personnel.

In some embodiments, the use of said wood does not degrade more than from about 10% to about 20% the quality profile of wine when compared to a desired wine profile quality. Optionally from about 5% to about 15%, optionally from about 3% to about 30%. In some embodiments, the use of said wood improves more than from about 10% to about 20% the quality profile of wine when compared to a desired wine profile quality. Optionally from about 5% to about 15%, optionally from about 3% to about 30%. In some embodiments, the quality profile of wine is performed by performing an analytical assessment of the contents of said wine. In some embodiments, the analytical assessment of the contents of said wine comprise assessing the quantity of one or more of: Alcohol by Volume, Acetic acid (volatile acidity), Fermentable Sugars, Total Acidity, L- Lactic Acid, L-Malic Acid, Free sulfur dioxide, Total sulfur dioxide, Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN), Gluconic Acid, Acetaldehyde (Ethanal), pH, Total Polyphenols Index, Glycerol, Colour (tonality and intensity), Total Polyphenols (Folin Ciocalteu), Total Anthocyanins, Polymerised Anthocyanins, HC1 Index and Tannins.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relate to the use of porous wood as a vehicle for injecting gas into wine or other fermenting/aging compounds. In some embodiments of the invention, the wood is oak, optimally properly aged oak, optionally a little singed, optionally previously used. In some embodiments, the wood is preferably aligned so the long tubes (tracheae) of the oak lead from an inner cavity to the surface of block. In some embodiments, the gas can be oxygen. In some embodiments, the gas can be a non-oxygen gas. In some embodiments, the long tubes (tracheae) of the wood are natural. In some embodiments, the long tubes (tracheae) are artificial, optionally by laser. In some embodiments of the invention, the wood is reused by shaving off top layer when it gets clogged, flavor lost, etc. In some embodiments of the invention, more oxygen per wood surface area is provided by a factor of between 10 and 100 than a wood barrel, optionally a factor between 10 and 1000, optionally a factor between 10 and 10000. Optionally, oxygen flow causes mixing so oxygenation spreads. Optionally, oxygen flow is by diffusion.

In some embodiments, the use of wood columns enables the oxygenation of the liquids while optionally and/or potentially slightly not degrading the quality of the liquid. In some embodiments, slightly not degrading the quality of the liquid means at least achieving the same quality result after oxygenation treatment with the use of the wood column as compared with quality result after oxygenation treatment without the use of the wood column. In some embodiments, slightly not degrading the quality of the liquid means that the use of wood does not degrade more than from about 10% to about 20% the quality profile of wine when compared to a desired wine profile quality. Optionally from about 5% to about 15%, optionally from about 3% to about 30%.

In some embodiments, the use of wood columns enables the oxygenation of the liquids while improving the quality of the liquid. In some embodiments, improving the quality of the liquid is performed while comparing the same liquid after oxygenation treatment without the use of a wood column with the liquid after the oxygenation treatment used with the wood column. In some embodiments, assessment of the quality of the liquid is performed by analytical analysis. In some embodiments, the analytical analysis provides a quality profile of the wine, which can be compared with a desired quality profile of a wine that is wanted to be achieved. In some embodiments, the quality profile of wine comprise one or more of: Alcohol by Volume, Acetic acid (volatile acidity), Fermentable Sugars, Total Acidity, L-Lactic Acid, L-Malic Acid, Free sulfur dioxide, Total sulfur dioxide, Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN), Gluconic Acid, Acetaldehyde (Ethanal), pH, Total Polyphenols Index, Glycerol, Colour (tonality and intensity), Total Polyphenols (Folin Ciocalteu), Total Anthocyanins, Polymerised Anthocyanins, HC1 Index and Tannins.

In some embodiments, assessment of the quality of the liquid is performed by sensory assessment performed by qualified personnel.

An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relate to using gas flow to modulate wood-liquid flavor interaction. In some embodiments, the flow can be positive, meaning from the wood to the liquid. In some embodiments, the flow can be negative, from the liquid into the wood. Preferably a combination of positive flow and negative flow. A potential advantage of the invention is in saving the costs of wood barrels since barrel prices appear to have been increasing recently, possibly due to a limit of supply of oak barrels, especially aged oak barrels and/or due to growth of the wine industry.

For purposes of better understanding some embodiments of the present invention, as illustrated in Figures 2-5 of the drawings, reference is first made to micro-oxygenation devices currently in use, as illustrated in Figures la-b. A micro-oxygenation is shown for example in Figure la. Sometimes, micro-oxygenation devices are used in concert with oak alternative such as beans, chips or staves, as shown for example in Figure lb.

Before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components and/or methods set forth in the following description and/or illustrated in the drawings and/or the Examples. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Furthermore, while the mention of wine or wine aging process is used to explain several embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not necessarily limited in its application to wine alone. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways, for example in the aging process of other alcoholic beverages, for example whisky. Exemplary oak wood based micro-oxidation system

Similar parts were kept with the same part number over different Figures for consistency.

Referring now to the drawings, Figure 2 illustrates the configuration of an exemplary oak wood based micro-oxidation system, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the system 200 comprises a pump 202, interconnected to a proximal end of a tube 204. In some embodiments, the tube 204 then is inserted into a container 206 (i.e. stainless steel tank) in which the liquid is being treated, via a special opening in the container. Then, in some embodiments, a column 210 is connected to a distal end of the tube 204. In some embodiments, the column is immersed in the liquid that is being treated.

Referring now to Figure 3 illustrating the configuration of an exemplary oak wood based multi micro-oxidation system, according to some embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, the system 300 comprises a pump 202, optionally multiple pumps, interconnected to a proximal end of a tube 204, optionally multiple tubes. In some embodiments, the tube 304 is connected on its distal end to a dedicated cover 308 of the container 306 (i.e. metal barrel) in which the liquid is being treated. In some embodiments, the dedicated cover 308 comprises a plurality of columns 310, which are immersed in the liquid that is being treated. In some embodiments, a single container comprise several independent single micro-oxygenation devices, each comprising a pump, a tube and a column. In some embodiments, other gases than oxygen are used, for example air, nitrogen, CO2.

Exemplary wood oxygenation column

Referring now to Figure 4a illustrating the configuration of an exemplary oak wood oxygenation column 210, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the oxygenation column 210 works using a similar mechanism to that of a standard oxygenation column, as shown for example on the left side in Figure la, but instead of using a porous stone, the oxygenation column 210 comprises a wood column 402. In some embodiments, the wood column 402 is an oak wood column. Optionally, the wood column is made of American oak, European oak, and/or any combination and hybridization thereof.

In some embodiments, the wood includes a plurality of tracheae 404, also known as vessel elements or vessel members, which are one of the cell types found in xylem, the water conducting tissue of plants. In general, vessel elements (tracheae) are typically found in flowering plants (angiosperms) but absent from most gymnosperms such as conifers. Vessel elements are the main feature distinguishing the "hardwood" of angiosperms from the "softwood" of conifers. In some embodiments, on the surface of the wood column, the trachea can be seen as holes 406. In some embodiments, the size of the holes (tracheae) are from about 100 mhi to about 400 mhi in width and from about 200 mhi to about 500 mhi in length. Optionally, the size of the holes are from about 150 mhi to about 350 mhi in width and from about 250 mhi to about 450 mhi in length. Optionally, the size of the holes are from about 200 pm to about 300 pm in width and from about 300 pm to about 400 pm in length. In some embodiments, the size of bubbles 408 released from the tracheae are from about 900 pm to about 2000 pm. Optionally, the size of bubbles released from the tracheae are from about 800 pm to about 1700 pm. Optionally, the size of bubbles released from the tracheae are from about 1000 pm to about 1500 pm.

In some embodiments, the wood is characterized by a grain, or wood grain 410. In some embodiments, wood grain is the longitudinal arrangement of wood fibers or the pattern resulting from this. In some embodiments, wood grain is characterized by a grain direction or slope (e.g. against the grain). In some embodiments, the two basic categories of grain are straight and cross grain. In some embodiments, straight grain runs parallel to the longitudinal axis of the piece. In some embodiments, cross grain deviates from the longitudinal axis in two ways, spiral grain or diagonal grain. In some embodiments, the amount of deviation is called the slope of the grain. In some embodiments, the directionality of the grain of the wood column used in the device is eccentric, meaning the grain moves from the center of the wood towards the periphery. In some embodiments, this is important since the tracheae follows the directionality of the grain, therefore, during the oxygenation process, the oxygen exits through the tracheae that moves from the inside of the wood towards the periphery of the wood. In some embodiments, the movement carries the wanted polyphenols from the wood to the liquid (see below).

In some embodiments, the wood column can have any geometrical form, as long as the direction of the grain is eccentric and the tracheae move from the inside towards the periphery.

In some embodiments, the wood column is made of one piece. In some embodiments, the wood column is made of a composite of wood pieces attached to each other, as shown for example in Figure 4b.

In some embodiments, the tracheae are naturally integrated in the wood. In some embodiments, the tracheae are artificially made into the wood. In some embodiments, the artificial tracheae are made by laser. In some embodiments, artificially making tracheae by laser further provides toasting to the wood (see below treatments on the wood).

Exemplary types of wood

In some embodiments, the column is made of wood from a genus Quercus, a genus Cyclobalanopsis, and/or any combination and hybridization thereof. In some embodiments, the column is made of wood from a species of oak selected from the group consisting of Quercus ajoensis, Quercus alba, Quercus aliena, Quercus arizonica, Quercus austrina, Quercus berberidifolia, Quercus bicolor, Quercus boyntonii, Quercus brandegeei, Quercus carmenensis, Quercus chapmanii, Quercus chihuahuensis, Quercus cornelius-mulleri, Quercus conzattii, Quercus copeyensis, Quercus dalechampii, Quercus depressipes, Quercus deserticola, Quercus diversifolia, Quercus douglasii, Quercus dumosa, Quercus durata, Quercus engelmannii, Quercus fabrei, Quercus faginea, Quercus furuhjelmi, Quercus fusiformis, Quercus gambelii, Quercus garryana, Quercus geminata, Quercus glaucoides, Quercus greggii, Quercus grisea, Quercus hartwissiana, Quercus havardii, Quercus hiholensis, Quercus hinckleyi, Quercus hondurensis, Quercus insignis, Quercus intricata, Quercus john-tuckeri, Quercus laceyi, Quercus laeta, Quercus lanata, Quercus leucotrichophora, Quercus liebmannii, Quercus lobate, Quercus lusitanica, Quercus lyrata, Quercus macrocarpa, Quercus margarettae, Quercus magnoliifolia, Quercus martinezii, Quercus mohriana, Quercus montana, Quercus michauxii, Quercus microphylla, Quercus minima, Quercus mongolica, Quercus muehlenbergii, Quercus oblongifolia, Quercus obtusata, Quercus oglethorpensis, Quercus oleoides, Quercus pacifica, Quercus peduncularis, Quercus petraea, Quercus polymorpha, Quercus praeco, Quercus prinoides, Quercus pubescens, Quercus pungens, Quercus robur, Quercus rugosa, Quercus sadleriana, Quercus sagraeana, Quercus sebifera, Quercus serrata, Quercus similis, Quercus sinuata, Quercus stellata, Quercus tarahumara, Quercus toumeyi, Quercus turbinella, Quercus vaseyana, Quercus vincentensis, Quercus virginiana, Quercus welshii, Quercus canariensis, Quercus dentata, Quercus frainetto, Quercus macranthera, Quercus pontica, Quercus pyrenaica, Quercus vulcanica, Quercus acutissima Carruth., Quercus alnifolia, Quercus brantii, Quercus calliprinos, Quercus castaneifolia, Quercus cerris, Quercus coccifera, Quercus franchetii, Quercus ilex, Quercus infectoria, Quercus infectoria Olivier var. veneris (C.K. Schneider) Meikle, or Quercus boissieri Reut./Boissier oak, Quercus ithaburensis, Quercus libani, Quercus macrolepis, Quercus semecarpifolia, Quercus suber, Quercus trojana, Quercus variabilis, Quercus cedrosensis, Quercus chrysolepis, Quercus palmeri, Quercus tomentella, Quercus vacciniifolia, Quercus acerifolia, Quercus acutifolia, Quercus agrifolia, Quercus albocincta, Quercus aristata, Quercus arkansana, Quercus buckleyi, Quercus canbyi, Quercus candicans, Quercus castanea, Quercus coccinea, Quercus coccolobifolia, Quercus coffeicolor, Quercus conspersa, Quercus costaricensis, Quercus crassifolia, Quercus crassipes, Quercus cualensis, Quercus delgadoana, Quercus depressa, Quercus dysophylla, Quercus eduardii, Quercus ellipsoidalis, Quercus elliptica, Quercus emoryi, Quercus epileuca, Quercus falcata, Quercus frutex, Quercus fulva, Quercus gentryi, Quercus glabrescens, Quercus glaucoides, Quercus gravesii, Quercus graciliformis, Quercus georgiana, Quercus hemisphaerica, Quercus hintonii, Quercus hintoniorum, Quercus hirtifolia, Quercus humboldtii, Quercus hypoleucoides, Quercus hypoxantha, Quercus ilicifolia, Quercus iltisii, Quercus imbricaria, Quercus incana, Quercus inopina, Quercus kelloggii, Quercus laevis, Quercus lancifolia, Quercus laurifolia, Quercus laurina, Quercus marilandica, Quercus martinezii, Quercus Mexicana, Quercus myrtifolia, Quercus nigra, Quercus oocarpa, Quercus pagoda, Quercus parvula, Quercus palustris, Quercus peduncularis, Quercus phellos, Quercus planipocula, Quercus potosina, Quercus praeco, Quercus pumila, Quercus rapurahuensis, Quercus resinosa, Quercus robusta, Quercus rysophylla, Quercus rubra, Quercus salicifolia, Quercus sapotifolia, Quercus scytophylla, Quercus shumardii, Quercus splendens, Quercus skinneri, Quercus subspathulata, Quercus tardifolia, Quercus texana, Quercus tuberculata, Quercus urbanii, Quercus uxoris, Quercus velutina, Quercus viminea, Quercus wislizeni, Quercus xalapensis, Quercus acuta, Quercus albicaulis, Quercus annulata Sm., Quercus arbutifolia Hickel & A.Camus, Quercus argentata, Quercus argyrotricha, Quercus asymmetrica Hickel & A.Camus, Quercus augustinii, Quercus auricoma A.Camus, Quercus austrocochinchinensis, Quercus austroglauca, Quercus bella, Quercus blakei, Quercus braianensis A.Camus, Quercus championii, Quercus chapensis, Quercus chevalieri, Quercus chingsiensis, Quercus chrysocalyx Hickel & A.Camus, Quercus chungii, Quercus daimingshanensis, Quercus dankiaensis A.Camus, Quercus delavayi, Quercus delicatula, Quercus dinghuensis, Quercus disciformis, Quercus edithiae, Quercus elevaticostata, Quercus fleuryi, Quercus gambleana, Quercus gemelliflora, Quercus gilva, Quercus glauca, Quercus gomeziana A.Camus, Quercus helferiana, Quercus hondae, Quercus hypophaea, Quercus jenseniana, Quercus jinpinensis, Quercus kerrii, Quercus kiukiangensis, Quercus kouangsiensis, Quercus lamellosa, Quercus lanata Sm., Quercus langbianensis, Quercus lineata, Quercus litoralis, Quercus litseoides, Quercus lobbii, Quercus longinux, Quercus lowii, Quercus lungmaiensis, Quercus macrocalyx Hickel & A.Camus, Quercus merrillii, Quercus mespilifolia Wall ex A. DC, Quercus morii, Quercus motuoensis, Quercus multinervis, Quercus myrsinifolia, Quercus ningangensis, Quercus oblongata D.Don, Quercus obovatifolia, Quercus oxyodon, Quercus pachyloma, Quercus patelliformis, Quercus pentacycla, Quercus petelotii A.Camus, Quercus phanera, Quercus poilanei, Quercus quangtriensis Hickel & A.Camus, Quercus rex, Quercus rupestris Hickel & A.Camus, Quercus salicina, Quercus saravanensis, Quercus schottkyana, Quercus semiserrata, Quercus sessilifolia, Quercus setulosa Hickel & A.Camus, Quercus sichourensis, Quercus stenophylloides, Quercus stewardiana, Quercus subhinoidea, Quercus subsericea, Quercus sumatrana, Quercus thorelii, Quercus tomentosinervis, Quercus treubiana, Quercus xanthotricha, Quercus yingjiangensis, and any combination and hybridization thereof. In some embodiments, the column is made preferably of wood from a species of Quercus robur, Quercus petraea and any combination and hybridization thereof.

In some embodiments, optionally, the column is made of chestnut wood, palm wood, pine wood, redwood, black locust wood and any combination and hybridization thereof. Exemplary diffusion of compounds from the column to the liquid

Without limiting to a particular theoretical framework, during aging, various soluble oak compounds diffuse into the wine and enhance the intensity and complexity of wine flavors. Volatile phenols and benzoic aldehydes play a very important role in contributing to the sensorial characteristics of the wines. Hydrolyzable tannins such as ellagitannins, are particularly significant because they confer astringency, as well as being involved in the stabilization of pigment structures. Moreover, during aging, micro-amounts of oxygen penetrate into the wine due to the slightly porous nature of the oak grain. This slow infusion potentially improves the quality of red wines, optionally in one or more of color, aroma, and/or taste. In some embodiments, the use of wood columns enables the oxygenation of the liquids while optionally and/or potentially slightly not degrading the quality of the liquid. In some embodiments, slightly not degrading the quality of the liquid means at least achieving the same quality result after oxygenation treatment with the use of the wood column as compared with quality result after oxygenation treatment without the use of the wood column. In some embodiments, slightly not degrading the quality of the liquid means that the use of wood does not degrade more than from about 10% to about 20% the quality profile of wine when compared to a desired wine profile quality. Optionally from about 5% to about 15%, optionally from about 3% to about 30%.

In some embodiments, the use of wood columns enables the oxygenation of the liquids while improving the quality of the liquid. In some embodiments, improving the quality of the liquid is performed while comparing the same liquid after oxygenation treatment without the use of a wood column with the liquid after the oxygenation treatment used with the wood column. In some embodiments, assessment of the quality of the liquid is performed by analytical analysis. In some embodiments, assessment of the quality of the liquid is performed by sensory assessment performed by qualified personnel.

In some embodiments, during the use of oxygenation wood columns, compounds from the wood diffuse to the liquid. In some embodiments, the compounds that diffuse from the wood column to the liquid are polyphenols, for example tannins. In some embodiments, the compounds that diffuse from the wood column to the liquid are volatile phenols, phenolic acids and ellagitannins. In some embodiments, release of gases is performed before malolactic fermentation (MLF), if color stabilization is the aim, or after the MLF, apparently in order to enhance tannin softening and apparently to achieve even better color stability.

In some embodiments, low oxygen pressures are used in the micro -oxygenation process. In some embodiments, the pressure used is of about 0.1 bar. Optionally, from about 0.05 bar to about 0.3 bar. Optionally, the pressure used is of about 0.1 bar. Optionally, from about 0.05 bar to about 1 bar. Optionally, the pressure used is of about 0.1 bar. Optionally, from about 0.05 bar to about 3 bar. For example, the pressure used can be 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.7, 1.0, 1.5 or 2 bar. In some embodiments, other gases than oxygen are used.

In some embodiments, the pressure is constant. In some embodiments, the pressure is not constant, for example, the oxygen is delivered by pulses of oxygen. In some embodiments, the pulses of oxygen are long. In some embodiments, the pulses of oxygen are short. In some embodiments, the pulses of oxygen change according to the required oxygenation level of the liquid according to inputs received by dedicated sensors located inside the barrel and in direct continuous communication with the liquid. In some embodiments, the pulses are applied at a frequency from about 1 second to about 30 seconds. Optionally from about 0.5 seconds to about 60 seconds. Optionally, from about 0.1 seconds to about 120 seconds. In some embodiments, the duration of providing a gas during the pulses is from about 1 millisecond to about 1 second. Optionally, from about 10 milliseconds to about 0.5 seconds. Optionally from about 100 milliseconds to about 0.1 seconds. In some embodiments, other gases than oxygen are used. Exemplary wood treatment

In some embodiments, prior to be used as an oxygenation column, the wood is treated. In some embodiments, treatment of the wood is seasoning and/or toasting. In some embodiments, wood seasoning (also known as wood drying or seasoning lumber) reduces the moisture content of the wood. In some embodiments, wood seasoning is performed using at least one of the following methods: air drying, kiln drying, dehumidification kiln, vacuum kiln, solar kiln, water seasoning, boiling or steam seasoning, chemical or salt seasoning, electrical seasoning. In some embodiments, wood toasting comprises exposing the wood to a source of heat. In some embodiments, the heat temperatures are from about 45 degrees Celsius to about 280 degrees Celsius. In some embodiments, toasting is performed for a time period of about 5 minutes to about 60 minutes.

In some embodiments, after being used as an oxygenation column, the wood is re-treated in order to regenerate its qualities. In some embodiments, prior to the re-treatment, a small layer of the most external face of the wood is shaved away to remove the used and lack of constituents layer, then it is treated by seasoning and/or toasting. In some embodiments, the layer that is shaved is from about 0.5mm to about 5mm. Optionally, from about 1 mm to about 3mm. Optionally from about 1.5 mm to about 2.5mm.

In some embodiments, the use of lasers to create artificial tracheae is further used as toasting treatment for the wood.

Exemplary column dimensions

In some embodiments, the oak wood micro-oxygenation system in a non-wood container provides a suitable substitute for oak-made barrels in the process of aging alcoholic beverages (e.g. wine, whiskey). Typical wood-made barrels of 2000 liters barrel comprise a contact surface area between the liquid and the wood of about 186000 cm², which is about 93 SA/V (surface area / volume).

In some embodiments, the surface area of the wood column in contact with the liquid is between 5 and 10 times smaller than its wood-made barrel counterparts, for example between about 37200 cm² and about 18600 cm². Therefore, in a container of 2000 liters, the oak wood micro-oxygenation system may comprise between 6-3 columns having a 10 cm width and depth and 150 cm height. Exemplary methods

Referring now to Figure 5, showing an exemplary micro-oxygenation method, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, the micro-oxygenation comprises providing a non-wood container 500, then, the container is filled with the liquid that needs to be treated 502. Afterwards, the micro-oxygenator comprising a wood column is inserted in to the liquid 504. Then the micro-oxygenator is activated 506 for a period of time according to determined requirements. In some embodiments, during the treatment process, a quantity of liquid is recovered from the container and the liquid is assessed 508 for the required characteristics. When the liquid is not ready and/or it has not achieved the required oxygenation levels, the treatment continues 510. When the liquid is ready, then the treatment finishes 512.

Exemplary General information

In some embodiments, the whole system is connected, monitored and controlled to and by a computer system, comprising all relevant components as described herein, and connected to a dedicated server so as to enable remote monitoring and control over the system.

As used herein with reference to quantity or value, the term“about” means“within ± 20 % of’.

The terms“comprises”,“comprising”,“includes”,“including”,“has”,“having” and their conjugates mean“including but not limited to”.

The term“consisting of’ means“including and limited to”.

The term“consisting essentially of’ means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

As used herein, the singular forms“a”,“an” and“the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term“a compound” or“at least one compound” may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof.

Throughout this application, embodiments of this invention may be presented with reference to a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as“from 1 to 6” should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as“from 1 to 3”,“from 1 to 4”,“from 1 to 5”,“from 2 to 4”,“from 2 to 6”,“from 3 to 6”, etc.; as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein (for example“10-15”,“10 to 15”, or any pair of numbers linked by these another such range indication), it is meant to include any number (fractional or integral) within the indicated range limits, including the range limits, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The phrases“range/ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and“range/ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number“to”,“up to”,“until” or“through” (or another such range-indicating term) a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numbers therebetween.

Unless otherwise indicated, numbers used herein and any number ranges based thereon are approximations within the accuracy of reasonable measurement and rounding errors as understood by persons skilled in the art.

All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention. To the extent that section headings are used, they should not be construed as necessarily limiting. In addition, any priority document(s) of this application is/are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its/their entirety.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A gas delivery apparatus, comprising:

a. at least one tube;

b. a gas delivering column interconnected to a distal end of said tube;

wherein said sparging column is made of a wood which is acceptable to use in wine.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the use of said wood does not degrade more than from about 10% to about 20% the quality profile of wine when compared to a desired wine profile quality.

3. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said quality profile of wine is performed by performing an analytical assessment of the contents of said wine.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein said analytical assessment of the contents of said wine comprise assessing the quantity of one or more of: Alcohol by Volume, Acetic acid (volatile acidity), Fermentable Sugars, Total Acidity, L-Lactic Acid, L-Malic Acid, Free sulfur dioxide, Total sulfur dioxide, Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN), Gluconic Acid, Acetaldehyde (Ethanal), pH, Total Polyphenols Index, Glycerol, Colour (tonality and intensity), Total Polyphenols (Folin Ciocalteu), Total Anthocyanins, Polymerised Anthocyanins, HC1 Index and Tannins.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, wherein said assessment of the quality of the liquid is performed by sensory assessment performed by qualified personnel.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein said wood is soaked with wine.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-6, wherein said gas delivering column is made of oak wood.

8. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-7, wherein said wood is treated before use.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-8, wherein said treatment comprises toasting.

10. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-9, wherein said treatment comprises seasoning.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-10, wherein said wood gas delivering column comprises a variety of tracheae organized with a direction from inside out.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-11, wherein said tracheae are from about 100 pm to about 400 pm in width.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-12, wherein said tracheae are from about 200 pm to about 500 pm in length.

14. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-13, wherein said tracheae interconnect said tube with the outside of said wood gas delivering column.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-14, wherein said tracheae size together with a pressure from said gas are such that said gas exits said wood gas delivering column in the form of bubbles.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-15, wherein said bubbles comprise a size from about 900 pm to about 2000 pm.

17. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-16, wherein said wood gas delivering column is made of one piece of wood.

18. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-17, wherein said wood gas delivering column is made of a composite of pieces of wood.

19. The apparatus any one of claims 1-18, wherein the movement of oxygen through said wood gas delivering column and the contact with said liquid enable the diffusion of compounds from said wood gas delivering column to said liquid.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 1-19, wherein said compounds comprise polyphenols.

21. A method of modifying a liquid in a container, comprising:

a. providing said container with said liquid inside of it;

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said modifying comprises aging, fermentation, or any combination thereof.

23. The method of any one of claims 21-22, wherein said forcing a gas is performed during all said amount of time.

24. The method of any one of claims 21-23, wherein said forcing a gas is performed in pulses.

25. The method of any one of claims 21-24, wherein said pulses are applied at a frequency from about 1 second to about 30 seconds.

26. The method of any one of claims 21-25, wherein said the duration of said forcing a gas during said pulse is from about 1 millisecond to about 1 second.

27. The method of any one of claims 21-26, wherein said forcing a gas is performed using reverse pressure, thereby inserting said liquid into said wood.

28. The method of any one of claims 21-27, wherein said forcing a gas is performed at a pressure from about 0.05 bar to about 0.3 bar.

29. The method of any one of claims 21-28, wherein said forcing a gas is performed at a rate of at least 1 liter gas per cm³.

30. The method of any one of claims 21-29, further comprising providing taste compounds to said liquid while micro-oxygenating said liquid by enabling direct contact of said liquid with said sparging wood column, thereby allowing diffusion of said taste compounds from said sparging wood column to said liquid.

31. The method of any one of claims 21-30, wherein said taste compounds are polyphenols.

32. The method of any one of claims 21-31, further comprising assessing said modification of said flavor by performing an analytical assessment of the contents of said wine.

33. The method of any one of claims 21-32, wherein said analytical assessment of the contents of said wine comprise assessing the quantity of one or more of: Alcohol by Volume, Acetic acid (volatile acidity), Fermentable Sugars, Total Acidity, L-Lactic Acid, L-Malic Acid, Free sulfur dioxide, Total sulfur dioxide, Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN), Gluconic Acid, Acetaldehyde (Ethanal), pH, Total Polyphenols Index, Glycerol, Colour (tonality and intensity), Total Polyphenols (Folin Ciocalteu), Total Anthocyanins, Polymerised Anthocyanins, HC1 Index and Tannins.

34. The method of any one of claims 21-33, further comprising assessing said modification of said flavor by performing a sensory assessment performed by qualified personnel.