We recently got asked by some Wineries about the efficacy of using a UKEG GO, PRO, and Nitro for wine dispensing and long term storage. While Argon gas is the traditional method for dispensing wine often found in by the glass wine bars. However Argon gas is costly, hard to find, and potentially dangerous for home use. Where as Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Nitrous Oxide (N2O) are common, plentiful, and relatively harmless.

We tried the following styles of wine with many varieties, White, a White Wine Blend, Red, a Red Blend, Rose, a wine based cocktail, an agave based cocktail, and a whiskey based cocktail.

We tested for a many things, such as how quickly did the gas infuse, how long did the infusion last in the beverage post pour, and how did it taste once infused. Then testing the after effects of infusion, how long did it take for each gas to evaporate, did the beverage return to its original flavor post infusion, and did we notice any new flavors post infusion.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2) produces small water soluble fizzy bubbles that quickly permeate all wines making it sparkling. We have found a single glass of wine stays carbonated in the glass around 5 minutes with only a few hours of infusion time. A longer infusion time would produce a more carbonated wine. These fizzy bubbles added a sharpness and tang to all whites and roses, while adding effervescence and a little acid to reds. The batch cocktails really shined with added carbonation as the cocktails skewed sweet and the carbonic acid provided a nice offsetting bitterness. 

Nitrogen Dioxide (N2O) produces smooth and creamy bubbles that are not soluble in water, but are lighter than oxygen. We have found nitro pouring a single glass of wine still has Nitrogen Dioxide for around 2 minutes with only a couple hours of infusion time. The nitrogen gas quickly and fully evaporated in all tests. The sweeter and lower ABV wines took on more creamy bubbles than the red wines and higher ABV cocktails. In our testing bolder reds like Bordeux or Pinot Noir were virtually unaffected by the Nitrogen Dioxide infusion. 

Just another example of what we love to do with our UKEGs!