Montréal, December 20, 2009 – Three Lallemand products have had their Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) certification renewned for organic production of wines. The products renewed for OMRI listing are Opti-White®, Opti-Red®, Go-Ferm® Protect.

Opti-White and Opti-Red are specific inactivated yeasts harvested from natural yeasts. They are used, respectively, in white and red wines to facilitate fermentation. Opti-White has high antioxidant properties, and makes positive contributions to the mouthfeel and greater aromatic complexity in white wines. Opti-Red is used at the beginning of fermentation to obtain fuller-bodied, more colour-stable red wines with smooth palates.

The NATSTEP® product Go-Ferm® Protect is a stimulant and a protectant added to the wine yeast during rehydration. It facilitates fermentation by providing bioavailable micronutrients during the rehydration phase, resulting in the significantly better health of the yeast cells during fermentation.

This OMRI renewal is an important step for Lallemand as it provides organic winemakers with quality products.

The Organic Materials Review Institute is a national non-profit organization in the United States that determines which input products are allowed for use in organic production and processing. OMRI-approved and -listed products may be used in operations certified “organic” under the USDA National Organic Program (www.omri.org).