Lalvin 71B - Fruit Wine Yeast – 5g

Fruity Red, Rosé & White Wines with Soft Tannins

Lalvin 71B™ is a fruit-forward yeast that’s great for easy-drinking reds, fresh rosé, and aromatic white wines.

It was originally developed in Narbonne, France, and is ideal when you want soft tannins, juicy flavours, and lower acidity — without overpowering your ingredients.

This yeast is especially useful for fermenting high-acid fruit wines or cider, since it naturally consumes some malic acid during fermentation.

It also boosts fruitiness through high ester production — think strawberry, banana, citrus, and tropical notes.

Each 5g sachet is perfect for 23L (1 demijohn or 5-gallon batch).

What Is Lalvin 71B Best For?

Use 71B when you want young, fruit-driven wines that are smooth and approachable. It's ideal for:

• Red fruit wines – Elderberry, cherry, raspberry, strawberry
• Rosé or light red styles – Gamay, Pinot Noir, Grenache
• Aromatic whites – Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Viognier
• Cider & fruit wines – Especially when acidity is high
• Late-harvest wines – Handles rich fruit well and keeps things fresh

Lalvin 71B Yeast – Key Specs

• Strain: Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. cerevisiae
• Alcohol Tolerance: Up to 14%
• Fermentation Temp: 15–30°C
• Malic Acid Reduction: Yes – converts 20–40% to alcohol
• Aroma Profile: Red fruit, citrus, banana, tropical notes
• Foam: Medium
• Glycerol Production: High – contributes to soft mouthfeel
• Dosage: 5g per 23L

How to Use Lalvin 71B

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 71B isn’t available here are some solid alternatives we recommend:

• Lalvin QA23 – Fresh, clean whites with soft fruit character
• Gervin GV6 – Balanced floral and fruity profile, good for whites and dessert styles
• Mangrove Jack’s SN9 – Slightly fruity and reliable across a wide range of wines

Brewer’s Tip

If your fruit wine or cider tastes sharp or acidic, 71B can mellow it out during fermentation — no extra additives needed. It also leaves behind a soft, round finish thanks to high glycerol production, which makes it a favourite for young wines that don't need years of aging.