Cellar Science Wine Yeast - Big Red Strain | 8 grams

Create Bold, Complex Red Wines with Big Red Strain Yeast

The CellarScience Big Red Strain is the ideal yeast for producing full-bodied red wines with deep color, rich tannins, and incredible mouthfeel. Specifically designed for Bordeaux varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot, this strain extracts high levels of tannins and anthocyanins, giving your wine a dark, inky color and a tannin profile perfect for extended aging. With significant glycerol and polysaccharide production, Big Red enhances the texture of your wine, making it perfect for complex, fruit-forward reds that will age beautifully.

Big Red is also highly tolerant to alcohol levels up to 16%+, making it suitable for grapes that need extra time on the vine to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While this yeast delivers exceptional results, it does have high nutrient demands, so you’ll need to pay attention to nutrient additions throughout fermentation for optimal performance.

Flavor & Performance Highlights

• Intense Color & Tannin Extraction: Efficiently breaks down grape skins for maximum color and tannin extraction, producing bold, structured wines.
• Rich Fruit & Spice Flavors: Brings out berry fruit and spice flavors, depending on the grape varietal.
• Full Mouthfeel: High production of glycerol and polysaccharides results in a rich, velvety texture.
• High Alcohol Tolerance: Handles alcohol levels over 16%, perfect for late-harvest grapes.

Ideal for These Varietals

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot (Bordeaux varietals)
• Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Big Style Pinot Noir

Key Features

• Alcohol Tolerance: 16%+
• Nutrient Requirements: High; this strain thrives when nutrient levels are carefully managed.
• SO2 Production: Low, promoting smoother malolactic fermentation (MLF).
• Fast Start Fermentation: Kicks off quickly and stays consistent.
• Nitrogen Demand (YAN @ 23 Brix): 270 ppm
• Optimal Fermentation Temperature: 65–85°F

Nutrient Management

Big Red has a high nutrient demand, so it’s important to maintain a nutrient schedule for optimal results. Proper hydration is key—mix 0.25 g of FermStart yeast nutrient with 25 ml of sterilized water per gram of yeast at 104–106°F. After sprinkling the yeast and letting it sit for 15 minutes, slowly adjust the slurry to match the must temperature within 18°F before pitching.

For nutrient additions during fermentation, we recommend adding 1.5 g of FermFed DAP Free per gallon of must at the start of fermentation, and 1 g of FermFed per gallon after 1/3 sugar depletion.

Perfect for Big, Age-Worthy Reds

If you're aiming to craft a bold red wine with complex tannins and rich fruit character that will age gracefully, CellarScience Big Red Strain is the ideal choice. With its high color extraction, big mouthfeel, and alcohol tolerance, Big Red will help you achieve a premium, cellar-worthy wine. Just be sure to stay attentive during fermentation—this yeast will reward your diligence with a truly outstanding wine.