BRETTANOMYCES TREATMENT
PROBLEM
Unlike products that rely on direct antimicrobial action, ViniFix™ does not kill Brettanomyces cells directly. Instead, it works through a selective adsorption mechanism that targets and binds the volatile phenolic compounds that Brettanomyces produces. These compounds include:
- 4-ethylphenol (4-EP) which presents as barnyard or medicinal notes,
- 4-ethylguaiacol (4-EG) which presents as clove or smoky notes,
- 4-methylphenol (4-MP) which presents as mousy or horsey notes.
SOLUTION
ViniFix™ is a powdered, multi-functional product composed of:
- yeast cell walls (for adsorption),
- activated carbon (for volatile phenol binding),
- ascorbic acid (for oxidative stability),
- chitosan (for biopolymer flocculation),
- bentonite (for stabilization),
- copper citrate (for sulfur compound binding),
- grape tannins (for structure support).
It is certified for organic and allergen-free winemaking.
PROTOCOL OBJECTIVES
- Selectively reduce Brett-related volatile phenols.
- Improve sensory purity and freshness.
- Stabilise redox potential and limit reformation of off-aromas.
