Where can you buy wine yeast locally in the USA?
Wine, one of the most relished alcoholic beverages, originated way back in history. The art of winemaking and sipping it began 12000 years ago. It is known to have been a prominent favorite amongst Early Egyptians. While the fondness and popularity of wine go way back into the decades, the discovery of wine yeast has been a recent development. It was only after the suggestion by a French Scientist that the fermentation of wine was due to the presence of the living organism. He also discovered the wine yeast.
What is Wine Yeast?
Wine yeast plays a vital role in the winemaking process. Yeast is the transforming element that converts grape juice to wine. In the absence of oxygen, it converts the sugar of wine grapes into alcohol and Co2 through the fermentation process. It is a unicellular type of fungi found on the skin of winemaking grapes. These organisms can consume a lot of sugar and are fermentative. However, the fermentation duration of each wine differs as per the category of wine. For example, the fermentation process is shorter for a dessert wine to leave some residual sugar content in the wine, whereas for a dry wine, the process is much longer.
Which is the most common yeast associated with winemaking?
The most common yeast used for winemaking is Saccharomyces Cerevisiae. It is known for its vigorous fermentation capabilities, predictability, ability to thrive in wine with an average ph level ranging from 2.8 to 4, and tolerance to high levels of alcohol.
What is the difference between Wine Yeast and Regular Yeast?
Why can’t we use regular bread baking yeast for fermenting wine? Ever pondered, what would happen if you just used the regular yeast? Well, the answer is no; they are not interchangeable. The two yeasts have a very different purposes and are quite distinct in nature. Here are a few key differences:
- Wine yeast is ideally used to produce lower Co2 levels and high alcohol levels.
- This yeast is associated with a long-term fermentation process; hence, packed in sterile conditions. However, the bread yeast or regular yeast is packaged at the food-grade level.
- Wine yeasts have high tolerance strains as they have the special ability to stay active up to 17% alcohol levels.
- Do note that the wine Yeast also has the ability to remain stable in environments with sodium metabisulfite, which is a staple in winemaking.
- Wine yeast clears faster from the wine than regular yeast.
- Baking yeast does not flocculate or clump, whereas wine yeast is bred to flocculate.
Pure Yeast and Wine Fermentation
Alcoholic fermentation has well-known advantages using pure yeast cultures. Yeast can either be used as a liquid culture or as dry wine yeast. Liquid yeast takes a lot of effort to make and also requires specialized equipment. Here are the advantages of Pure Yeast Culture.
- Better control of the fermentation process
- Faster onset of the process of fermentation
- Dependable characteristics of yeast for a deliberate result in the final wine
- Consistent and regular wine production with a set quality
- Stifles the possibility of the wine developing an ‘off-flavor’
Where to Buy Wine Yeast in the USA?
Over the years, yeast has evolved so much that you can acquire all the categories commercially. Here is a comprehensive list of American Suppliers of Wine yeast:
- The Wine Lab, 477 Walnut St., Napa, CA 94559. (707)224-7903.
- Cellulo Co., 2949 E. Townsend Avenue. Fresno, CA 93721. (209)485-2692.
- Presque Isle Wine Cellar, 9440 Buffalo Road, North East, PA 16242. (800)488-7492.
- Scott Laboratories, 2220 Pine view Way, PO Box 750249, Petaluma, CA 94975. (800)821-7254.
- Vinquiry, 16003 Healdsburg Ave., PO Box 695, Healdsburg, CA 95448. (707)433-8869.
- Universal Foods Corp., 433 East Michigan St., Milwaukee, WI 53201. (414)347-3886.
Wine Yeast on Amazon
A large variety of wine yeast is also available online on Amazon.com! Here is a list.
1. Red Star Premier Blanc
(4.6 / 5)
- Price: $9.79 for a pack of 11.
- Each packet weighs 5 grams.
- Active dry wine yeast
- It can be used for Cabernet, cider, dry whites, fruits, meads, port, and sodas.
- It is made in Belgium.
2. Red Star Premier Classique
(4.7 / 5)
- Price: $8.67 for a pack of 11.
- Each packet weighs 5 grams.
- It is a strong fermentor and can produce dry, full-bodied red and white wines.
- This yeast can withstand a temperature in the range of 59-86 F and has an alcohol tolerance of 13%.
3. Lalvin 71B
(4.8 / 5)
- Price: $14.75 for a pack of 12.
- Each packet weighs 5 grams.
- This product has great consumer reviews.
4. Home Brew Ohio RS-CTB
(4.7 / 5)
- Price: $13.99 for a pack of 10.
- Each packet weighs 5 grams.
- It has an alcohol tolerance greater than 14%.
5. Strange Brew Yeast
(4.7 / 5)
- Price: $7.86 for a pack of 10.
- Each packet weighs 5 grams.
Bottom Line
It is evidently clear that yeast plays a substantial role in the winemaking process. Every wine uses a different strain of yeast, and the duration of the fermentation process largely differs. Hence, it is imperative to know the details about the wine you are making before purchasing the yeast. Hopefully, the list above eases your yeast buying process.
It is Wine’0 clock, so Happy Yeasting!
Also, check how long does wine last in the fridge after opening.
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