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Use of sorbate and sulphur dioxide.
- Potassium sorbate can be added to wine as a yeast inhibitor. This is especially beneficial in wines bottled with residual sugar/sweetness. The potassium sorbate prevents the yeast fermenting the residual sugars which would result in unwanted carbon dioxide production and haze formation in the bottled wine.
- Potassium sorbate is subject to bacterial attack, producing geranium like off flavours. It is therefore important to maintain adequate levels of sulphur dioxide (SO2) to prevent bacterial growth and activity (see SO2 and microbial inhibitions).