A pioneer in innovation applied to wood for winemaking, Pronektar is expanding its range with the launch of PureVan, a new type of wood chip specially designed to offer a vanilla aroma of unprecedented intensity and purity.

Designed as the first in a future series of “ingredient” chips, PureVan meets the expectations of winemakers looking for rich profiles, marked by sweetness and without excessive tannic structure.

A strategic need...

The PureVan project was born out of an initiative launched in 2017-2018, following an in-depth audit of the existing range and market benchmarking. This analysis highlighted the versatility of the offering, while revealing a significant opportunity for development around chips with more targeted and intensely characterized profiles, meeting specific oenological objectives.

A research and development program was therefore launched with two essential conditions: richness and precision.

Laboratory tests quickly showed that two parameters were fundamental to obtaining such profiles:

• A significantly longer toasting time to fully develop the aromas,
• Extremely precise temperature control to guarantee a clear sensory profile.

…at the origin of an innovation in the production line

As existing industrial equipment did not meet these criteria, Pronektar's R&D department began developing a custom toasting tool in collaboration with airflow experts and a specialist manufacturer. This work resulted in the development of a unique and revolutionary oven, designed specifically to meet the requirements of this new generation of technical chips.

Measurable and significant results

Made from an exclusive selection of French oak and toasted using this innovative process, PureVan reveals dominant notes of vanilla pod, Tahitian vanilla, and vanilla sugar, accentuating sweetness and volume on the palate, but without significantly adding to the structure.

Analyses carried out as part of the development project confirm this powerful and pure aromatic profile:

• Chemical analysis of the wood reveals levels of vanillin and specific aromatic compounds well above the market average. Other aromatic families are in the minority and within the benchmarking average.
• On tasting, the wine has a generously vanilla nose, a full and indulgent palate, and a marked length, without imbalance.

A targeted tool for clear oenological objectives

PureVan can be used in both fermentation and aging, on white, rosé, or red wines. A minimum contact time of one month is recommended, to be adjusted according to tastings.

It is particularly suitable for winemakers seeking a repeatable and identifiable aromatic signature, in line with the expectations of certain international markets, particularly Anglo-Saxon markets, which appreciate wines with an accessible, smooth, vanilla-flavored, and flattering style.

Download the Nektar PureVan technical data sheet.