amaea RMx wine frost taint solution
Selective remediation for frost-impacted wine.
When geranium, rose petal, or soapy characteristics emerge from frost-stressed vines, traditional remediation methods may mask the undesired aromas and flavors; however, they can also mute the overall wine character.
amaea RMx delivers molecular precision, offering a wine frost taint solution that selectively targets the terpene compound responsible for the off-flavors without compromising your wine’s quality or character. Book a trial and see how amaea’s technology can address frost-impacted wine.
What causes frost taint in wine?
This wine fault goes by two names: frost taint (describing the cause) and rose taint (describing the distinctive rose-like aroma). Both terms refer to the same quality challenge.
Understanding frost’s impact on grapevines
Frost taint occurs when grapevines experience cold stress during critical growth stages. It triggers a defensive biochemical response that elevates monoterpene compounds, particularly α-Terpineol.
The elevated terpenes create distinct aromas reminiscent of geranium, rose petal, or soap, which can mask varietal character and terroir expression, making wine frost taint solutions essential for quality recovery.
Unlike temporary faults, frost taint persists throughout the fermentation and aging process. Severity depends on the timing and duration of frost exposure, varietal susceptibility, and overall vine health, with the compounds remaining stable and detectable, even at low concentrations.
Frost taint’s impact on commercial value
Frost-impacted wines face immediate market consequences. The rose-like or soapy characteristics compromise customer perception, forcing wines into lower price tiers or blending programs. What should command varietal pricing becomes discounted bulk wine, having a direct impact on brand positioning and revenue.
The challenge extends beyond individual parcels. Frost events can affect multiple blocks or entire vineyard sites simultaneously, amplifying financial exposure across significant production volumes. Early intervention preserves wine quality and protects the commercial value you’ve invested in.
amaea’s approach: Molecular selectivity that preserves wine quality
Our wine frost taint solution uses molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) technology to selectively target and remove α-Terpineol and related monoterpenes responsible for geranium off-flavors. Our technology works at the molecular level to extract what compromises quality.
Adjustable filtration rates mean you control the intensity of remediation based on terpene concentration and desired outcomes. For light frost impact, gentle treatment preserves maximum character, while severe geranium taint demands increased treatment rates to target higher compound levels while maintaining wine balance.
The flexibility of amaea’s molecular filtration system allows winemakers to recover parcels that would otherwise face blending or complete disposal.
FEATURED FROST/ROSE TAINT RESEARCH
Remediating Off-Aromas from Frost Impacted Red Wines
Discover how frost taint occurs in wine, its impact on aroma and how amaea’s molecularly imprinted polymers are able to bring frost impacted wine back into varietal balance by reducing overly-floral and herbaceous characters.
Our service provider partners
We are proud to work alongside valued and trusted service providers to provide our molecular filtration services for you.
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VA Filtration
VA Filtration is USA’s leading filtration technology experts with 18 years of experience in the wine industry.
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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.
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Vintech Pacific
Vintech Pacific is a New Zealand owned and operated company, providing a range of innovative technology processes to the wine industry.
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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.
Frequently asked questions about wine rose taint solutions
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Not at all—while cold climate regions face higher baseline risk, frost events can impact vineyards in several climates. Spring frost is particularly problematic in regions with variable weather patterns; early-season temperatures encourage bud break, followed by sudden cold snaps that stress vulnerable young growth.
Elevation, valley topography, and vineyard site selection influence frost susceptibility as much as overall regional climate. The unpredictability makes preparedness essential, as vineyards without traditional protection infrastructure remain vulnerable, and even established frost mitigation systems can be overwhelmed by severe or prolonged cold events.
Having access to effective wine frost taint solutions ensures you can respond when prevention falls short.
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Frost taint primarily affects aromatics rather than any structural components. The elevated α-Terpineol creates sensory faults in the nose and palate, but does not alter tannin profiles or the wine’s ability to age.
However, the geranium and soapy characteristics can mask desirable development, making the wine commercially unviable regardless of its structural integrity. amaea’s filtration process removes the terpene compounds responsible for these off-flavors while preserving polyphenols and tannins, allowing wines to maintain their aging potential.
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Rose taint doesn’t pose any health concerns, as the elevated monoterpenes responsible for the geranium and soapy characteristics are naturally occurring plant compounds that create sensory defects with no toxicological risk to consumers.
Similar to faults like smoke taint in wine or Brettanomyces smell in wine, the issue is entirely commercial. The masking of varietal character and fruit expression makes frost-impacted wines unpleasant to drink, leading to consumer rejection and market devaluation. Wine rose taint solutions protect the quality and commercial viability of your wine, not consumer safety.
Contact amaea to discuss our advanced frost taint solutions
Frost damage doesn’t have to mean lost value. Whether addressing rose taint from spring frost, managing pyrazine in wine due to environmental stress, or needing an oxidized wine fix, amaea’s technology delivers the molecular precision you need.
As the proven choice for leading winemakers across New Zealand, the United States, and Canada, our wine rose taint solutions protect quality while maintaining commercial value. Ready to restore your frost-impacted wine?
Find out more
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How molecular filtration works
Discover how our molecular filtration system works.
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What are MIPs?
Learn about our MIP technology and how these cleverly designed smart beads capture target molecules.
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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.
