LEVEL² INITIA™
(Metschnikowia pulcherrima)
Natural bioprotection against oxidation in white and rosé
LEVEL² INITIA™ is a non-Saccharomyces yeast selection made by Vincent Gerbaux at the Institut Francais de la Vigne et du Vin (IFV) in Beaune, France. LEVEL² INITIA™ yeast has the unique capacity to rapidly consume oxygen. LEVEL² INITIA™ is Metschnikowia pulcherrima to be used pre-fermentation in freshly pressed white or rosé juice to protect against oxidation. LEVEL² INITIA™ is the first bioprotection yeast developed to limit oxidation phenomena in the early steps of winemaking due to its dual action of consuming oxygen and decreasing copper levels. Fresher aromatics and brighter colors result due to oxygen utilization as the yeast grows and synthesizes unsaturated fatty acids. Inoculation with selected Saccharomyces and a balanced nutrition plan is necessary to complete alcoholic fermentation.
Selected by Institut Français de la Vigne et du Vin, Burgundy, France
Wine types
Technical information
- General sensory contribution: Bioprotection
- Minimum temperature: 4 °C
- Maximum temperature: 18 °C
- Nutritional needs: High
- SO2production: Very low
- Alcohol tolerance: 3 %
Product documentation
FAQ
NO. LEVEL² INITIA™ is a non-fermentative yeast. It does not impact negatively neither the settling nor the alcoholic fermentation (AF).
• SO2 tolerance is ≤ 40 mg/L of total SO2
• Delay SO2 addition from LEVEL² INITIA™ inoculation
• A classical rehydration is recommended to ensure a homogenous inoculation and maximize the bioprotection efficiency.
• In some cases, LEVEL² INITIA™ can be added directly, without prior rehydration, especiallyon mechanical harvest for instance.
After rehydration, the preparation “LEVEL² INITIA™ and water” can be kept 9 hours before use.
The sooner the better. On harvested grapes (mechanical or manual), during transport, in the destemmer, during pressing, etc.
• How? On grapes or must (through homogeneous aspersion or inoculation after rehydration)
• Dosage: 5 to 20 g/hL.10 g/hL is the optimal dosage.
• At lower dosage LEVEL² INITIA™ will still have a positive impact and a better efficiency than other bioprotection yeasts at similar dosage.
Yes, all the products in our non-Saccharomyces LEVEL² range are fully compatible and synergic with our chitosan-based products, such as LALVIGNE BOTRYLESS™, BACTILESS™, ALLIANCE™, NO BRETT INSIDE™. Mode of actions are complementary for optimal and complete contamination risk management.