continuous method

English · OIV tank method variant

The continuous method, as defined by the OIV, carries out the secondary fermentation in a system of several connected closed tanks fed continuously with base wine.1

It is a variant of tank fermentation. Instead of one batch per tank, base wine (in OIV terms, wine destined for sparkling wine production) is fed without a break into a chain of linked vessels.2,1 The OIV describes it in the same resolution as the closed tank method and isobaric bottling.1 As with any secondary fermentation, it takes place in hermetically closed containers.2 For PDO quality sparkling wines made in closed tanks, the EU sets a production time of at least six months from the start of the sparkling fermentation.3 Overview: tank method.

See also

Tank methodMethodsCuve closeGlossarySecondary fermentationGlossary

Sources

  1. OIV International Code of Oenological Practices, II.4.3 Bulk second fermentation in a closed tank (II.4.3.1-II.4.3.5) and II.4.4.1 continuous method
  2. OIV International Code of Oenological Practices, II.4.1 Definitions common to all sparkling wines (II.4.1.1-II.4.1.10)
  3. legislation.gov.uk (The National Archives). Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/934, Annex II (sparkling wine oenological practices), as reproduced on legislation.gov.uk (2019-03-12)

Facts checked on 2026-10-19