Enartis

Malolactic fermentation (MLF) is the transformation of malic acid into lactic acid by lactic bacteria, particularly Oenococcus oeni. Wines that go through MLF become microbiologically stable as malic acid is consumed and can no longer be used by other microorganisms that can alter the wine. Additionally, these wines are softer since lactic acid contributes less acidity. MLF also produces organoleptic changes that result in greater aromatic complexity and stabilization of wine color.

RISKS OF A SPONTANEOUS MLF

Due to climate change wine pH is on the rise, helping the development of a greater diversity of microorganisms whose metabolism and influence on wine quality is not completely understood yet. As well as being a risk to wine quality, the development of these microorganisms also poses risks to consumer health, for example, the production of biogenic amines whose toxicity is amplified by the presence of alcohol.
In this context, controlling MLF with selected strains of Oenococcus oeni provides technological security and assists winemakers by helping to control the timing of malic acid degradation and assures the production of a healthy, quality wine. By preventing the production of biogenic amines and off-flavors, the winemaker is assured of complexity, aroma and taste.

ENARTIS BACTERIA

Enartis strains are provided in a freeze-dried and preadapted form for wine. They have been selected and characterized to carry out MLF in a controlled and safe way. Each strain has different ideal conditions of growth. For this reason, the success of MLF depends on wine parameters and the choice of the most suitable strain, as well as the correct handling of the product and the addition of nutrients to favor the survival of the bacteria in a hostile environment such as wine.

NUTRIENTS FOR ML BACTERIA

Nutrition can be the key to a successful MLF, helping the domination of the selected strain over the wild population and providing necessary elements for a regular and complete MLF.
Nutriferm Osmobacti is a nutrient and regulator of osmotic pressure to be used at the end of the rehydration phase and prior to inoculation. It helps selected malolactic bacteria survive stress when inoculated in wine. Nutriferm Osmobacti increases
the rate of surviving cells, thus allowing for a more rapid start of malolactic fermentation and helping the implantation of the selected strain over the wild bacteria.
Nutriferm ML is to be added to wine that will go through MLF. It provides all the nutritional factors that are necessary for a safe and complete malolactic fermentation. It’s particularly recommended to promote malolactic fermentation in difficult wines.

PROTOCOLS FOR THE USE OF ENARTISML BACTERIA

Enartis has developed three protocols for the use of malolactic bacteria to be adopted according to fermentation conditions: normal, difficult and very difficult.