As more and more consumers are choosing to lead a vegan lifestyle, winemakers are turning to vegan-friendly winemaking options. ATPGroup’s Vin-Chito is high molecular weight chitosan derived from Aspergillus niger for microbial control in wine. Unlike lysozyme, which is egg-derived, Vin-Chito is derived from fungi, and is vegan-friendly and non-allergenic. While you might have heard about chitosan as an effective treatment to control Brettanomyces in wine, Vin-Chito controls a wider range of unwanted microorganisms as well, including other spoilage yeast and bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Acetobacter. It can be used pre-fermentation to help control microorganisms, and at normal dosage rates won’t inhibit inoculated Saccharomyces yeasts. For the control of bacteria, Vin-Chito’s low dosage rate of 1–5 g/hL and activity against both gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria make it a more effective treatment than lysozyme and less costly to use.
Vin-Chito is also a key part of a microbial control program during wine maturation, with a dose of 1–2 g/hL every three weeks maintaining effective activity against numerous unwanted microorganisms. Studies have shown that in certain conditions Vin-Chito is effective at reducing VA, lowering the amount of bentonite required for protein stability and enhancing tartrate stability. Chitosan is currently approved for ongoing use in winemaking by the TTB at doses up to 10 g/hL.
Because the specific parameters of your wine including pH and the microorganisms you want to control will influence the effectiveness of the chitosan, contact your ATPGroup Enology Product Specialist at (707) 836-6840 for guidance on the best application of Vin-Chito for your situation. For more information visit www.ATPGroup.com.
ATPGroup was founded as a family business in 1991. Now a leading supplier to the wine, beer, food, and pharmaceutical markets, the company offers an unparalleled range of high-quality products and services including winemaking & cellar products, brewery supplies, glassware, production equipment, cleaning & sanitation solutions, parts & servicing, mobile services, tartaric acid, and Rochelle salt. Its team is made up of industry veterans, engineers, cellar masters, and product specialists who provide technical expertise in their respective fields. With warehouses across the country, the company is strategically located to serve customers throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.