Château Le Payral pioneers in the valorization of viticultural organic waste !
“Nothing is wasted, everything is transformed.” In line with our virtuous, environmentally-respectful production methods, since the early 2000s, we have implemented a policy for the valorization of viticultural organic waste. Indeed, we ‘produce’ dehydrated grape pomace and grape seeds, all certified in organic agriculture.
What is the valorization of viticultural organic waste ?
The valorization of viticultural organic waste refers to the process by which by-products of winemaking, such as grape skins, seeds, or even lees, are transformed into useful products or energy, rather than being simply disposed of as waste.
Grape pomace is the solid residue remaining after pressing, with the liquid part being, of course, the wine! Pomace is often considered waste; it is collected by distilleries for industrial use. It can also be used by winemakers as organic fertilizer… but it can also be used to make brandy…
However, at the estate, the pomace is dehydrated in ovens, allowing us to preserve it for various uses. From a portion of this pomace, we extract grape seeds.
In its quest to valorize organic waste, Château le Payral offers two types of by-products to professionals.
After the pressing phase, Château le Payral recycles two products: grape pomace and grape seeds. Let’s now take a look at the specifics of these two viticultural by-products !
Dehydrated grape pomace
- Grape pomace is composed of all the pressing residues: stems, grape skins, grape seeds.
- Grape pomace is particularly rich in polyphenols known for their antioxidant properties.
- Grape pomace is particularly beneficial for health: it improves blood circulation, thins the blood, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, lowers triglycerides and LDL cholesterol, etc…
- Grape pomace is a valuable product for cosmetics: grape seeds assist cells in combating oxidative stress, thus aging.
Grape seeds
Grape seeds, sorted from the pomace, are used to produce grape seed oil, which is used in both food and cosmetics.
Grape seeds possess numerous therapeutic virtues. They are particularly recommended for maintaining good eye health. Thanks to the presence of vitamin E, they help combat fatigue and diseases related to vision.
- Grape seeds stimulate blood circulation. Adding them to one’s diet helps lower blood pressure, strengthen blood vessels, and combat certain heart problems as well as varicose veins.
- Rich in nutrients and antioxidants, grape seeds are believed to be beneficial in preventing certain cancers, particularly skin cancer.
- Grape seed oil has antioxidant qualities due to its content of vitamin E and polyphenols (OPCs).
- Grape seed oil protects the epidermis from dehydration.
- In cooking, grape seed oil is characterized by its relatively neutral flavor and low density index. Its high resistance to heat makes it a very interesting oil for cooking.
Why innovate alongside Château Le Payral?
If grape pomace and grape seed products are becoming increasingly popular, we are proud to be slightly ahead of the curve.
01
Our production methods are certified organic and biodynamic, ensuring products free from pesticide residues, a major advantage for these products used as dietary supplements or cosmetics.
02
As winemakers, we dehydrate the pomace as close to the pressing moment as possible, which gives it much better quality than most products processed by the industry, which collects pomace from undefined sources and after a potentially long storage period.
03
Our activity has led to several partnerships, including one with an American company seeking high-quality grape pomace for dietary supplements. Our geographical location and certified production ensure high levels of antioxidants and limit pesticide residues.
Zèta x Château Le Payral: an example of an innovative partnership focused on valorizing organic waste
An innovative project that showcases the entirety of winemaking expertise
More recently, starting from 2020, we developed a partnership with Laure Babin, a young entrepreneur and founder of the ZETA brand. This company manufactures sneakers while ensuring minimal impact on the environment and people.
The "Millésime", a product of the partnership between Château Le Payral and Zeta
Her original model, Alpha, is a sneaker made with upcycled materials: grapevine material, recycled cork, recycled plastic. The ‘Millésime’ model incorporates a portion of our dehydrated pomace in the insoles and outsoles.
Contact us if you are interested and open to projects related to waste valorization!
We are continuously developing and remain open to other projects and partnerships related to the valorization of organic waste! In fact, a project focusing on cuisine and gastronomy is currently underway…
Additional information
Grape pomace is produced during the pressing stage of grapes in the winemaking process. After being harvested, the grapes are transported to presses where they are pressed to extract their juice. This juice is used to produce wine. Once pressed, the remaining solid residues, primarily composed of skins, seeds, and stems, form what is called grape pomace. This residue is often considered organic waste, but it can be valorized in various ways, including for the production of grape seed oil or as organic amendment in agriculture. This contributes to the valorization of organic waste by transforming organic waste into a useful resource.
Grape pomace can be used in various ways. Here are some examples:
Production of grape seed oil: Grape seeds extracted from pomace can be pressed to produce grape seed oil, used in cooking and cosmetics for its antioxidant properties.
Dietary supplements: Dehydrated grape pomace is rich in polyphenols and other beneficial compounds for health. It can be used to make dietary supplements.
Organic amendment: Grape pomace can be reused as organic amendment in agriculture, enriching the soil with nutrients and improving its structure.
Distillation: In some wine regions, grape pomace is used to produce spirits such as marc in Burgundy or grappa in Italy.
Cosmetics: Grape pomace extracts are also used in the cosmetics industry for their antioxidant properties, helping to protect the skin from aging.
These uses demonstrate how grape pomace, often considered a by-product of winemaking, can be valorized in versatile and beneficial ways.
Yes, it is generally safe to eat grape seeds in small quantities. They are a source of nutrients such as antioxidants and essential fatty acids. However, seeds can be difficult to digest for some people and may cause gastrointestinal issues. Therefore, it is recommended to eat them in moderation. Additionally, make sure they come from organic grapes or safe sources to avoid contamination with pesticides or harmful substances.
Grape seed oil is used for several reasons:
Antioxidant properties: It is rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E and polyphenols, which help protect the skin against damage from free radicals and premature aging.
Skin hydration: Grape seed oil easily penetrates the skin without leaving a greasy residue, helping to maintain optimal hydration.
Protection against environmental aggressors: It creates a protective barrier on the skin, shielding it from external aggressors such as pollution and UV rays.
Culinary use: Due to its neutral flavor and heat stability, grape seed oil is also used in cooking for frying, sautéing, and salad dressings.
In summary, grape seed oil is valued for its multiple benefits for the skin as well as its versatile culinary uses.
Need more information? Contact us!
Do you have any questions or want to learn more about Château Le Payral and its products? Don’t hesitate anymore! Contact us.
Whether you want to know more about our history, our biodynamic production methods, or if you have specific questions about our product ranges, we are here to answer all your inquiries and guide you in discovering Château Le Payral!