Sulfite

Sulfur Dioxide for Winemaking

Sulfur Dioxide (metabisulfite powder) or Campden Tablets (a pre-measured form of Sulfur Dioxide) has been used for thousands of years in the winemaking process. Sulfur dioxide acts as an anti-oxidant (keeps wine from browning) and as an anti-bacterial. Campden tablets are a convenient, premeasured form of sulfite making it easy for the home winemaker to add just the correct amount of sulfur to the wine or must when making small batches (less than 5 gallons). The recommended dose for most wines is 1-2 campden tablet per gallon or 1/4 teaspoon of sulfite powder per 5 gallons. Sulfite is generally added at the following stages of the winemaking process:

1) Before fermentation begins (to knock out wild yeasts and bacteria)

2) When all fermentation is done and before bulk aging

3) At bottling to improve ageability by decreasing oxidation and keeping the wine stable.

For those winemakers making 5 gallon batches of wine or larger, use Potassium Metabisulfite powder (PMS) which is easier to dose than campden tablets for larger batch sizes.

Contact Us if you have questions about any of our sulfur dioxide products or Campden tablets.