Microbial Control
Inodose Tablets are a blend of potassium metabisulfite and potassium bicarbonate and are made by the Institut Oenologique de Champagne. They are packaged in 2 g (42/box) and 5 g (48/box) dosage levels. The effervescent action of the bicarbonate provides mixing in barrels or small tanks while reducing time and labor needed for stirring. The easy-to-use tablet form helps prevent overdose problems associated with other forms of SO2 additions. Sealed strip packages keep unused tablets fresh for optimal potency. Cellar workers and others in the immediate area require no safety equipment because the tablets are solid and odorless. The potassium bicarbonate fraction in these tablets has little or no effect on pH.
Lysozyme is a naturally occurring enzyme which can be used in wine to control lactic acidbacteria (LAB) including Oenococcus spp., Pediococcus spp. and Lactobacillus spp. Oenococcusis favorably associated with malolactic fermentation (MLF) but can also producevolatile acidity (VA) under certain conditions. Pediococcus and Lactobacillus are usually consideredspoilage organisms. Lysozyme is a natural product isolated from egg whites and hasbeen used for many years as a biopreservative in the processing and storage of hard cheese.The enzymatic activity of lysozyme can degrade the cell walls of gram-positive bacteria (includingLAB) but not gram-negative bacteria (Acetobacter) or yeast. Lysozyme’s effectivenessdepends on the type of bacteria and the number of cells present.
Velcorin® is the trade name for dimethyldicarbonate (DMDC), a microbial control agent produced by LANXESS®. Since 1988, Velcorin® has been used in the United States in wine, low-alcohol wine, and non-alcoholic wine as well as juice, juice sparklers, sports drinks, and ready-to-drink teas. Velcorin® is very effective at low dosages against a broad range of yeast, bacteria and molds. Unlike other chemical preservatives, Velcorin® is non-persistent and does not affect wine taste, bouquet or color. In addition, Velcorin® can remain active for several hours (depending on hydrolysis rate) thereby helping to eliminate contamination from other sources such as bottles, closures and filling equipment.