Malolactic Bacteria

Malolactic fermentation is the second, quieter fermentation. Bacteria convert sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid, which is what takes the green edge off a red and gives a chardonnay that rounder mouthfeel. Most reds go through it. With whites it is a decision about style.

We keep a few options because winemakers have their loyalties. Lalvin Malolactic Bacteria is the familiar sachet for home and small batch work. Enartis Malolactic Bacteria comes from the same house as much of our winemaking range, and Malolactic Bacteria by CHR-HANSEN is what you will find in plenty of commercial cellars. Bacteria are only half the job, though. Malolactic Osmobacti Nutrient is for rehydrating the culture properly before it goes in, and Nutriferm Malo feeds the bacteria through the conversion so they finish rather than stalling halfway.

The practical advice we give is to keep the wine warm enough and leave the sulphur alone until it is done. Cold cellars and an early sulphur addition stall malo more often than anything else, and a stalled batch sitting on lees is a headache you do not want come spring. Test to confirm it has finished before you bottle.

We are at Laverton North and Epping. Also see wine yeasts and nutrients, Enartis and wine making.

Malolactic fermentation is the second, quieter fermentation. Bacteria convert sharp malic acid into softer lactic acid, which is what takes the green edge off a red and gives a chardonnay that rounder mouthfeel. Most reds go through it. With whites it is a decision about style.

We keep a few options because winemakers have their loyalties. Lalvin Malolactic Bacteria is the familiar sachet for home and small batch work. Enartis Malolactic Bacteria comes from the same house as much of our winemaking range, and Malolactic Bacteria by CHR-HANSEN is what you will find in plenty of commercial cellars. Bacteria are only half the job, though. Malolactic Osmobacti Nutrient is for rehydrating the culture properly before it goes in, and Nutriferm Malo feeds the bacteria through the conversion so they finish rather than stalling halfway.

The practical advice we give is to keep the wine warm enough and leave the sulphur alone until it is done. Cold cellars and an early sulphur addition stall malo more often than anything else, and a stalled batch sitting on lees is a headache you do not want come spring. Test to confirm it has finished before you bottle.

We are at Laverton North and Epping. Also see wine yeasts and nutrients, Enartis and wine making.

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