Malolactic Fermentation on Wine Kits?

Wine kits are great for experimenting. Whether you want to swap out the yeast, try a split fermentation with multiple strains, or use different types of oak kits are the most economical wine making medium to experiment on.

Malolactic fermentation, however, is not something that should be experimented with on most wine kits. In fact unless your kit came with malolactic bacteria I suggest steering clear of MLF altogether. Why? Continue reading “Malolactic Fermentation on Wine Kits?”

What is Malolactic Fermentation?

Lactic acid bacteria responsible for converting malic acid to lactic acid during malolactic fermentation.
Creative Commons Photo by: GrahamColm

Malolactic fermentation is often associated with red wines and some Chardonnays. Specifically “buttery” Chardonnay. But what is it?

As the name implies it is a form of fermentation. Unlike a yeast fermentation, however, during malolactic fermentation no alcohol is produced.

Instead malic acid is converted into lactic acid by lactic acid bacteria. Clever name I know.

How Malolactic Fermentation Works

Continue reading “What is Malolactic Fermentation?”