Merlin

The reliable MERLIN is the robust pneumatic press for any vineyard with ambitions. WILLMES has been building this press for over 20 years. During that time, we have continuously developed and improved this traditional press.

The MERLIN is available in six versions, from 1,200 litres to just over 5,000 litres. Common to all of them are vertical stainless-steel juice channels. All presses are made to order in Germany for each specific customer. In this way, we are able to respond to the individual requirements and local conditions of each customer.

Vertical juice channels make all the difference

The MERLIN is a pneumatic grape press with special characteristics. It is designed to be used – without difficulty and universally – with all varieties of grapes and all kinds of grape crops. The particular strengths of the MERLIN include the vertical stainless-steel juice channels and the large opening. This juice-extraction system, exclusively produced by WILLMES, ensures the best juice quality.

Between the membranes

The mash is completely surrounded by a membrane. Pressure is applied horizontally from the outside in. In this way, pressure is applied to the largest possible area, giving high juice extraction at very low pressures. As a rule, about 80% of the juice is extracted with a pressure of only 0.2 bar. During the entire pressing process, the pressure may not exceed a gentle 1.2 bar.

Technical edge – pure juice

Grapes are processed faster, more gently and more economically than in conventional presses. The purity of the must quality is considerably higher. The must does not contain a lot of lees and almost no fine particles. You get more juice of the highest quality and the net yield can be as high as 100%.

Tried in practice – continuously improved

The MERLIN is used by thousands of wine growers around the world, delighting every vintner who has the chance to work with it. We have regularly incorporated propositions and suggestions for improvements into our production process, which means we can say today that we are currently building the best-ever MERLIN.

Flexible application – for red and white wine

The MERLIN can be used universally in every wine-growing business. Even if you should decide to change your production methods, you keep all your options open with a MERLIN. You can extract the juice quickly, or leave the mash in the drum. Whole-cluster processing is as easy an option as the pressing of heated red wine mash at up to 60°C.

Thanks to the uniquely large top opening, the press can be filled from the top using boxes or conveyer belts. However, central filling is also an option. It goes without saying that you can also press ice wine. Small quantities as low as 5% of the total filling capacity can be processed without difficulty.

Easy cleaning and excellent hygiene

The press has a number of removable doors. Thanks to the large openings, the press can be filled and emptied with unsurpassed efficiency. The MERLIN juice channels can be removed and cleaned in a few easy steps, without needing to climb into the press. The press can therefore be cleaned hygienically in just a few minutes and is then ready for the next pressing cycle.

With the Merlin vertical juice channels caked marc in the corners or on the edges of the juice channels is a thing of the past.

Optimal preliminary juice extraction – short pressing times

The vertical juice channels improve preliminary juice extraction by up to 50%. The membrane encloses the grapes from all sides, and juice travel is 50% shorter on average than in conventional wine presses. Caked marc can therefore be loosened between pressing cycles, dispensing with the need for prolonged crumbling and reducing pressing times.

Energy efficiency – more juice, less pressure

With the MERLIN, you gain more juice using less pressure. Up to 80% of the juice can be extracted at an operating pressure of less than 0.2 bar, saving both compressed air and energy. This means that you are kind to the environment – and to your wallet!

The advantages of the MERLIN series at a glance

• Vertical juice channels . globally exclusive to WILLMES presses
• Large door opening for speedy filling and emptying
• Manufactured completely from stainless steel
• Better pressing results, particularly for difficult grape crops
• Optimally positioned large perforated screen . thus optimal juice extraction
• Shorter pressing times
• Easy to clean, thus greater cost efficiency and better hygiene
• Better must quality . reduced wine lees, hardly any fine particles
• Up to 100% net yield for must
• Lower energy and compressed-air consumption
• Very flexible and easy-to-use pressing programs, optionally self-optimising
• Can be used to press small quantities as well as ice wine
• Durable membrane material
• Spare-parts guarantee for all presses