With the August grape harvest just weeks away, growers concerned about unpredictable seasons will be able to form a more complete picture of nitrogen levels using a new test on the market.
Nitrogen is the limiting element in the growth of yeast cells; if there is a sufficient amount of nitrogen, fermentation goes quickly with fewer problems. Nitrogen comes in two main sources for the yeast cells: ammonia and primary amino acids. Low levels of yeast available nitrogen (YAN) have been identified as the main cause of stuck fermentations and can lead to the generation of unwanted sulphides. Conversely high levels of YAN can be a potential carcinogen in the presence of ethanol, particularly where the starting levels of L-arginine in the juice are high.
Randox Food Diagnostics global business manager David Ferguson said, "With regulatory bodies including EU controlling the levels of added nitrogen, we know growers value cost-effective and accurate results measuring nitrogen in must. The quality of the NOPA test means growers can detect levels of primary amino nitrogen present throughout the entire fermentation process. Having one of the widest ranges on the market the NOPA assay has a minimum detectable concentration of 5.1mgN/L and is linear up to a concentration of 500mgN/L, allowing wineries to get a quick, reliable and accurate result of the primary amino nitrogen status within just seven minutes. At Randox Food Diagnostics, we are always focused on adding new assays to our growing product base and are confident demand will be strong, particularly where the growing season has been unpredictable."
In order to meet the seasonal deadline Randox Food Diagnostics intensified their R&D programme to give growers a comprehensive measurement adding a primary amino nitrogen (NOPA) assay to their established ammonia test.
David Ferguson said, "The seasonal deadline was a consideration, and we were keen to step up our development bringing NOPA to market before growers started picking. Our wine-testing products are trusted by some of the largest labels in the world, and now we offer a complete set of tests for this key element of fermentation."
For more information please contact Randox Food Diagnostics.
