Best yeast for aromatic white wine
Lalvin QA23 (Lallemand)The single best dry strain for aromatic white wine, and the number that decides it.
Use Lalvin QA23. For aromatic white wine it is the strongest match on the numbers that matter.
Gauge readout
Attenuationferments to dryness
Alcohol tolerance16 % ABV
Fermentation temp10 to 28 C (50 to 82 F)
Attenuation50%75%100%
Alcohol010%20% ABV
Temperature02040 C
Why this strain
| Style | aromatic white wine |
|---|---|
| Recommended strain | Lalvin QA23 (Lallemand) |
| Fermentation temperature | 10 to 28 C (50 to 82 F) |
| Apparent attenuation | ferments to dryness |
| Alcohol tolerance | 16 % ABV |
Notes
For an aromatic white such as Sauvignon Blanc, Lalvin QA23 is a strong pick. Its low nutrient and oxygen demand lets it ferment cleanly at cool temperatures down to about 15 C, which protects the delicate aromatics, and it lifts thiol-driven aroma.
Ferment cool and slow to keep the aromatics. A hot, vigorous ferment or a neutral high-tolerance strain like EC-1118 would strip the very character you want.
The yeast to buy
Related
Sources: Lallemand Oenology Yeast Quick Reference Chart (alcohol tolerance and temperature limits)