Out of all the processes in winemaking, the most critical is selecting the yeast to be used. Whatever type or brand it is, it will affect the outcome of your winemaking. Before tackling the best wine yeast in the market, let’s understand the role of the yeast first.
Yeast is a microorganism responsible for transformations for several staple foods. It is necessary to make bread and all related products. In winemaking, it is used to transform sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide and thus, turning grape juice into an alcoholic drink. The better your choice of yeast, the more effective and efficient the transformation process will be.
Here are some of the most common yeasts used in winemaking:
1. Red Star Winemaking Yeast
Red Star is an excellent yeast for winemaking beginners. It is easy to use and can yield a good result. You can choose different variations: “Pasteur Red” for red wines; “Cote des Blancs” for white and lighter ones; “Montrachet” for all-purpose usage; and “Premier Blanc” for higher alcohol tolerance.
2. Lavlin Winemaking Yeast
If you want a more sophisticated result, then Lavlin can be an excellent choice. The most popular is “EC-1118” due to its versatility and fast fermentation.