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