Lalvin EC-1118 - Sparkling Wine Yeast - 5g

Reliable, Neutral Yeast for Sparkling, White, Red & Cider

Lalvin EC-1118 is a tried-and-true workhorse yeast used by winemakers worldwide — known for its fast, clean fermentation and high alcohol tolerance.

Originally developed in a sparkling wine region in France, it’s now a go-to for everything from crisp whites and fruit wines to ciders and meads.

This strain is known for its reliability in tough fermentations — it kicks off fast, handles high sugar, and finishes dry with almost no aroma impact of its own.

Each 5g sachet handles up to 23 litres (1 demijohn or 5-gallon batch).

What Is EC-1118 Best For?

Use EC-1118 when you want a clean, neutral finish or need to restart a stuck batch. It’s extremely flexible and works in just about anything:

• Sparkling wines – Primary or bottle fermentation (prise de mousse)
• White and red wines – Especially when you want minimal yeast character
• Fruit wines and ciders – Clean, efficient, and very forgiving
• Mead – Handles high ABV and ferments dry
• Restarting stuck fermentations – High tolerance and fast start

Lalvin EC-1118 Yeast – Key Specs

• Strain: Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. cerevisiae (ex-bayanus)
• Alcohol Tolerance: Up to 18%
• Fermentation Temp: 10–30°C
• Killer Factor: Yes – outcompetes wild yeast
• Foam Production: Low
• Nitrogen Needs: Low – but add nutrient for insurance
• Aroma Profile: Neutral (won’t add flavour or aroma)
• Dosage: 5g per 23L

How to Use Lalvin EC-1118

Quick method: Sprinkle onto must or juice and stir gently. Works well without rehydration.

Advanced Method: (Making a Yeast Starter)

• Add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and the contents of the sachet to a glass with about 50ml of warm water. (approx. 20 °C)
• Cover the glass with a clean plate and simply leave for 15-20 minutes.
• Before you empty the glass of yeast into your brew we recommend vigorously stirring your cider/beer/wine.
• The more oxygen introduced before you put the yeast on will promote a strong healthy fermentation.

Substitute Yeasts

If Lalvin EC-1118 isn’t available here are some solid alternatives we recommend:

• Lalvin 71B-1122 – Slightly fruitier and softens acidity, ideal for meads and ciders
• Gervin GV3 – Strong fermenter for sparkling wine, cider, and high-alcohol fruit ferments
• Mangrove Jack’s CL23 – Clean, crisp and capable of higher ABV

Brewer’s Tip

If you’ve got a batch stuck halfway or a must that’s low in nutrients, EC-1118 is your safest bet.

It finishes strong and won’t interfere with fruit, honey, or grape character. Just don’t expect it to bring any added aroma — that’s your ingredients’ job.