WINE FLAVOR 101F: USES, ISSUES AND INNOVATION IN WINE FINING

Fining is one of many instruments in the tool box of a Winemaker

A suppliers View by Maggie McBride

Fining

• What agents are currently approved for use• How to approach fining in general

– Why we do it– When should fining occur

• Juice and or Wine stage

• Allergen Labeling: Future fining agent possibilities– Our role

Enological Fining agents the usual suspects (all approved for use)

• Enological based fining agents– Proteins

• Gelatins, Isinglass, Casein, Milk, and Egg whites– Earths

• Bentonite– Synthetic Polymers

• Polyvinylpolypyrolidone (PVPP)– Colloids

• Polysaccharides (Sparkolloid), Gum Arabic, Mannoproteins

OTHERS

• Silica Gel, Carbon, Copper and Tannins – Silica Gel

• Prevents over-fining– Carbon

• Deodorizing and decolorizing carbons available– Copper

• Sulfide issues– Tannins

• Co-fining agent with proteins (mainly gelatin)

My Approach

What step in the winemaking process is the wine in?

• Just a Tid Bit on Juice

– Bigger Bang for your

• Typically done on whites

– To decrease turbidity, to enhance settling, treat or prevent oxidized phenolics, promote protein stablity, etc.

What step in the winemaking process is the wine in?

• IF it is Wine…..– Keep in mind when Bottling….Some agents need

time to settle– DO A TRIAL!– Why?

• Responsible

• Not every fining agent works the same on different wines

• Visual and Sensorial interactions between agent and wine

My Approach

Step 2 cnt’d: My Wine Bible

Date your incoming samples

-Product EXPIRES

-1st in 1st out-IF you suspect samples are old call supplier and

ask for FRESH new samples

Don’t be scared of the Math!• I find some people get deterred from doing a

trial b/c of Math! It can be a little daunting at first!

Products Chosen

• Consult your Suppliers Tech Sheets for Guidance!!

• Or use website like www.wineadds.com to help with calculations

Allergen Labeling?

• It is going to happen• Has happened in EU• Alternative to current fining agents that may

need allergen labeling

• Non Allergen Chitin Based Products • Been in development for last 2 Years

http://www.ttb.gov/wine/wine_treating_materials.shtml

Getting New Products to YOU!• ONLY THE INDUSTRY CAN GET IT TTB APPROVED!

– We bring them in and introduce them to you• We have no power to get TTB to approve them

– The Process:• Go to TTB Website and Read CFR’s• Or maybe call Mari Kiranne for Help with CFR

interpretation• “Request for trial use” letter to TTB (SEE www.scottlab.com

for example letters)• Once enough Request TTB can put it up for Ruling

THANK YOU!!

maggiem@scottlab.com

www.scottlab.com