Why is testing for Ammonia important in winemaking?

Nitrogenous compounds are a vital part of all living organisms and plays a vital role in the winemaking process. Ammonia is one of the essential nitrogenous compounds. Ammonia’s role is important in the fermentation process as it helps serve as nutrients for growth and metabolic activity of yeast during fermentation.

Before fermentation can begin it is important to know the status of nitrogen levels in the grape to see if supplementation is required for healthy ferments. Ammonia determination is one important component in the calculation of Yeast Available Nitrogen (YAN). YAN is described as the sum of ammonia ions plus primary amino nitrogen. If levels of YAN are too low this can result in sluggish or stuck fermentation compromising the quality of the product. Therefore, the most accurate determination of YAN all components should be qualified, and this is possible using Randox Food Diagnostic Primary Amino Nitrogen (NOPA) kit.

Randox Food Diagnostics offer multiple tests for wine analysis including Ammonia on both the RX misano and the RX monaco.

Ammonia

For more information please email us at: info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com or visit our website at www.randoxfood.com