Bentonite Clay
Bentonite or Bentonite Clay as it is sometimes referred, is a fining agent that has been often used in the winemaking process. Bentonite Clay is a grey powder that is mixed with hot water and added to the must prior to fermentation.
Looking to ferment clearer meads & wines? Use Bentonite Clay in your next batch! Bentonite is an absorbent clay that is used as a fining agent or clarifier. It helps prevent cloudiness and haze in wines, meads, ciders & juices.
Bentonite Clay bonds to suspended yeast, sediment & other stubborn particles and helps pull them out of suspension. The finished wine will exhibit better clarity and color, as well as reduced off-flavors and reduced oxidation potential.
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. Some findings show that Bentonite may be more efficient when added to secondary, but is also effective when added pre-fermentation.
