Expertise documents

Biogenic Amines in Wine and how to control them

Biogenic amines are found in fermented food and beverages, including wine. Of the many biogenic amines, histamine, tyramine and putrescine are the most important in wine. It is the metabolism of amino acids by lactic acid bacteria that produce the biogenic amines found in wine. Red wines tend to have higher biogenic amines content than white wines, as this wine type all under go the bacteria driven malolactic fermentation. The direct decarboxylation of amino acids results in the formation of biogenic amines. Extensive biochemical and genomic characterisation has led to simple tests for the identification of biogenic amine genes in LAB strains. Wines produced using native microflora can have high biogenic amine content. Consumer safety justifies taking extra precautions to avoid the production of biogenic amines. Good winemaking practices should be used to avoid the production of biogenic amines; management of must and wine pH to minimise the proliferation of native microflora, stabilise musts or wines for antimicrobial protection with SO2 or new biological solutions (such as Bactiless™) and use malolactic bacteria strains (and particularly in co-inoculation) that have been screened for the absence of biogenic amine genes. Compatible with organic winemaking or in a strategy to reduce chemical additions, the use of malolactic bacteria is a key step to achieve wines with low to no biogenic amines. WE Biogenic Amines - ENG

Co-Inoculation

Co-inoculation is the practice of inoculating selected wine bacteria at the beginning of the winemaking process shortly after yeast inoculation, usually 24 to 48 hours after yeast inoculation. This technique is advantageous because not only will it secure the malolactic fermentation (MLF), but also because there are definite advantages that are recognized by winemakers and professionals. For a successful co-inoculation, some parameters are crucial for its success – choosing the right wine yeast, correctly rehydrated, good temperature management and the proper yeast nutrition strategy are keys point to integrate for any fermentations. Well-fed and heathly wine yeast and bacteria leads to complete and regular alcoholic and malolactic fermentations Based on 20 years of experiences, and from the results of many collaborations between Lallemand and research center from France, Spain, Italie, South Africa, Argentina and Germany has shown the benefits of co-inoculation with either Oenococcus oeni or Lactobacillus plantarum. UI Bacteria #1 co inoculation Australia 2018  

ESL 2019 : Biological tools in winemaking adapting to a changing environment

The proceedings from the 2019 Entretiens Scientifiques Lallemand held in Weisbaden Germany are now available. the 2019 international meeting focused on different strategies to overcome some of the issues related to climate change. From the vineyards with Lalvigne foliar sprays to managing acidity with non-Saccharomyces yeast, to nutrition and oxidation management. Special guests from the Geisenheim Institute , Prof Manfred Grossman and Prof J. Wendland presented the latest work from the Institute. The Entretiens had the privilege of hosting Prof Monika Christmann from Geisenheim University and the OIV 1st Vice-President as the key note speaker.   ESL 2019 eversion

ESL 2018: Micobiological strategies to optimize wine regionality and personality

Proceedings of the XXVIIIth Entretiens Scientifiques Lallemand held in Blenheim, New Zealand focused on Sauvignon blanc and Pinot noir wine production.  Topics presented included aroma profiles of Sauvignon blanc, yeast to help shape Sauvignon blanc styles and the challenges of Pinot noir wine.  Master of Wine student, Ms Sarah Benson (Manchester, UK) presented her study ‘Creating Marlborough Sauvignon blanc in different styles, and assessing UK consumer and journalist preferences for these wines’. ESL_Proceedings_2018

ESL 2017: Technical overview on cider production

Proceedings of the XXVIIth Entretiens Scientifiques Lallemand held in Tallinn, Estonia focused on cider production.  Topics presented included overviews of cider production in different countries illustrating the wide range of styles produced worldwide. Cahier ESL 2017 complet