Home Winemaking
Yeast Recommendations

Yeast research has come a long way!! Where most wineries used to simply rely on whatever wild yeast grew in their vineyards, most now use sulfites to kill off all native yeasts before adding in a particular one they find works best for their intended product. Home winemakers have a startling array of yeasts available for their use. Here are some of the most common ones.

Cotes de Blanc (Red Star)/Epernay 2: Chenin Blanc, fruit wines. This yeast tends to give the wine a fruity flavor. Premier Cuvee (Red star)/Lalvin EC1118: Works best with 14% alcohol or less, a good general use yeast. Great on Chardonnay.

Lalvin 71 B-1122: Great for use with wine made from concentrates.
Lalvin K1-V-1116: Great general use yeast, if you don't have a specific preference.

Montrachet UCD #522: Lovely for Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and even Chardonnays.

Pasteur Red: Good for general purpose reds, and Bordeaux blends
Pasteur Champagne/UCD #595: Good for general purpose whites. Despite the name, NOT great for sparkling wines. Also good on Cabernet Sauvignon - can make a relatively high alcohol wine.

Yeasts and Winemaking
Glossary of Winemaking Terms




All content on the WineIntro website is personally written by author and wine enthusiast Lisa Shea. WineIntro explores the delicious variety and beautiful history which makes up our world of wine! Lisa loves supporting local wineries and encouraging people to drink whatever they like. We all have different taste buds, and that makes our world wonderful. Always drink responsibly.