Bentonite - 1kg

Bentonite makes the wine clearer, more stable, and more drinkable sooner.

Helps reduce off-flavours, oxidation and post-bottling sediment. 

What it is:

Bentonite is a type of clay, a hydrated aluminium silicate, with negatively charged particles. 

How it works:

The negative charge of bentonite attracts and binds to positively charged proteins and other impurities in the wine. This creates a heavier, denser complex that settles to the bottom of the container, allowing for clear racking (removing the clear wine from the sediment). 

When it's used:

Bentonite is typically added to wine post-fermentation or during secondary fermentation. Some winemakers may add it pre-fermentation as well. 

Benefits:

Using bentonite helps to:

Clarify wine: Removes haze-causing particles, resulting in a clearer, more visually appealing wine. 

Improve stability: 

Reduces the potential for haze or sediment formation during storage, enhancing the wine's shelf life. 

Reduce off-flavours: 

Can help absorb some compounds that contribute to off-flavours, says Wine Australia. 

Usage Rate: 

The amount of bentonite needed can vary depending on the wine and the desired level of clarification. It's recommended to do bench trials to determine the appropriate dosage.

How To Use Bentonite Clay To Clarify A 1 Gallon Batch Of Wine Or Mead: Mix 1-2 grams (¼ to ½ teaspoon) of Bentonite with 1 oz of warm water. Mix well to remove clumps & create a smooth slurry. Add this slurry to your fermenter pre-fermentation or during secondary fermentation.

pH: The effectiveness of bentonite is influenced by the wine's pH. Lower pH values (more acidic wines) tend to be more effective for bentonite fining because the positive charge on proteins is stronger at lower pH.