amaea PZx for Pyrazines

Targeted pyrazine remediation

Overcome a challenging harvest with amaea PZx, a first-of-its kind solution designed to help alleviate green aromas in wine.

IBMP research report

CASE STUDY

Releasing green in Sonoma County

Cooler than average harvest conditions left a US winery with prevalent green aromas in their Cabernet Sauvignon. Looking for a solution focused on value recovery, they turned to amaea’s molecularly imprinted polymers. The result was a wine that offered more fruit-forward characters.

Read case study to find out more >>

Managing green aromas in the winery

The class of compounds responsible for the “green” and “vegetal” aroma found in wines are pyrazines, with IBMP (isobutyl methoxypyrazine) identified as a prominent pyrazine also associated with immature grapes.

At low concentrations, pyrazines can be considered a regional or varietal hallmark however, when present above sensory thresholds, i.e., 2-5 ppt (ng/L), the concentration creates significant sensory challenges for winemakers.

By blending, or using advanced winemaking techniques, winemakers can shift the sensory profile to be more fruit-forward. However, these techniques often distract from other desirable features of the wine.

Targeted remediation focused on quality improvement

amaea have developed amaea PZx, an innovative molecular filtration solution designed to selectively target capturing the pyrazines responsible for the green aromas found in wines. By capturing molecules, such as IBMP, the molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPS) reduce the offending green aromas to reveal more of the varietal character of the wine.

By using amaea PZx winemakers are able to:

  • Reduce pyrazine concentration

  • Adjust treatment rates to customize sensory outcomes

  • Enhance the quality of their wine

What’s happening in the wine?

Laboratory analysis of Cabernet Sauvignon wines treated using amaea PZx showed the concentration of IBMP was reduced by up to 23%.

IBMP reduction

For the purpose of this study, IBMP was used as the analytical marker.

How did it taste?

81 winemakers’ sensory feedback on a 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon treated using amaea PZx reflected a reduction in green, vegetal, and astringent notes, resulting in the wine becoming more fruit forward.

IBMP sensory

Low-impact production process using regenerable polymers

amaea PZx uses a standard filtration system that is easy to implement and quick to administer. As the wine passes through the columns, the IBMP molecules bind to the MIPs. Once saturated, the MIPs are regenerated using an eluent, ready to be used again.

The result is a more sustainable, low-impact process built for precision and value recovery.

Find out more

  • Case study pyrazine in Cab Sav

    Releasing green in Sonoma County

    Cooler than average harvest conditions left a US winery with prevalent green aromas in a Cabernet Sauvignon wine. Looking for a solution focused on value recovery, they turned to amaea. The result was a wine that offered more fruit-forward characters.

  • Battling green aromas in wine

    Battling green aromas in wine

    Learn more about the pyrazine responsible for green aromas in wine and the new technology designed to target its removal, enabling the varietal character of the wine to shine.

  • From 23 days down to 1: Targeted palate fining driving operational efficiencies

    If fining wine could be completed in just a day, what would be possible? Our VP of Applied Research takes a look at conventional fining processes while unpacking the process of molecular filtration for balancing wine.

  • Our solution

    How molecular filtration works

    Discover how our molecular filtration system works.

  • Molecularly imprinted polymers

    What are MIPs?

    Learn about our MIP technology and how these cleverly designed smart beads capture target molecules.

  • Why winemakers are central to successful MIP applications

    When our technology is in the hands of the winemaker, that is when the true magic happens. With the ability to tailor treatments with artisanal intent, winemakers are empowered to bring out the best in every wine to hit their cellar doors.


Our partners

We are proud to work alongside valued and trusted service providers to deliver the best outcomes for your organization.

  • Cellar Dweller

    Cellar Dweller

    Based in Okanagan Falls, B.C., Cellar Dweller have been providing mobile filtration services for Pacific North West wineries for over a decade.

  • Vintech Pacific

    Vintech Pacific

    Vintech Pacific is a New Zealand owned and operated company, providing a range of innovative technology processes to the wine industry.

  • Winesecrets

    Winesecrets

    Since 2003 Winesecrets have been providing America’s wine producers with separation technologies that improve efficiency, eco-performance and wine quality, with unparalleled service, expertise and dedication.

Explore other wine applications


Want to know more?

Contact our team today.