The impact of VOC A+ certification on air quality and the health of workers in underground cellars: scientific evidence and organoleptic benefits for wine.
Authoritative scientific sources
Wine breathes through the cork, allowing gas exchange with the surrounding environment. Numerous scientific studies confirm that volatile compounds present in the cellar air can be absorbed by the cork and transferred into the wine.
The contamination of wine through the absorption and release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from building materials and corks is a phenomenon recognised and documented by highly authoritative scientific bodies.
Among these, the Catholic University of Piacenza and the Australian Wine Research Institute stand out for their targeted research: the former has studied the indirect transfer of VOCs from coatings (Off-flavours through indirect transfer of VOCs from coatings), whilst the latter has investigated the absorption of TCA and VOCs by corks. These, among the many authoritative sources available, clearly demonstrate how essential the use of certified, low-emission materials is to safeguarding the organoleptic quality and healthiness of wine.
Technical value of VOC A+ certification
In light of the evidence from the scientific literature and established industry practices, VOC A+ certification represents a tangible asset for boutique wineries. From a technical and health perspective, it serves as a benchmark for controlled and healthy ageing environments. The olfactory neutrality guaranteed by low-emission materials is not merely a theoretical advantage.
Various studies confirm that environmental volatile organic compounds, if left unmanaged, can alter the wine’s aromatic bouquet through indirect contamination mechanisms.
Underground environments and VOC management
In this context, in underground environments where air exchange is limited, the risk of VOC accumulation is greater. This makes it essential to use certified coatings, which help to maintain the ideal microclimate for both the product and the operators.
Sources: U.S. EPA – Indoor Air Quality & VOCs, World Health Organization – WHO Indoor Air Quality Guidelines, Fumi et al., Food Additives & Contaminants – contamination from building VOCs, Springer – evolution of volatile compounds in wine depending on the environment..
Protecting workers’ health
Protecting workers’ health is an essential consideration.
Reducing VOC levels means lowering the risk of respiratory irritation, headaches and neurological effects, as highlighted by leading international health organisations, including the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (USA).
In this sense, the choice of A+ materials is not only a guarantee of the wine’s organoleptic quality, but also an investment in the safety and well-being of those working in the winery.
Protection of biological processes and wine maturation
Another often underestimated strength is the protection of delicate biological balances governing wine maturation. There are no guidelines definitively establishing a link between VOCs and damage to yeasts.
However, many volatile compounds are well documented for their antimicrobial activity. These compounds can interfere with sensitive biological processes involved during wine ageing. Choosing low-emission materials helps avoid interfering with the delicate biological balances of ageing processes. This represents an added value for producers striving for absolute quality.
VOC A+ certification for distinctive market positioning
From a market and reputation perspective, A+ certification fits perfectly with the principles of green building and “luxury wine”: international protocols (LEED, WELL, BREEAM) reward low-VOC materials, and the narrative of a healthy, sustainable winery becomes a distinctive feature in regional marketing and product storytelling.
Therefore, choosing Biopietra and VOC A+ cladding is not merely a matter of aesthetics or compliance, but a strategic investment in the quality, health and value of the wine cellar.
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For information on the health benefits of Biopietra cladding, please email info@biopietra.com
Read the online article in the prestigious magazine ‘Materiali casa’
See our natural regenareted stone cladding in a special project: Varignana Winery
