Use of polyaspartates for the tartaric stabilisation of white and red wines and side effects on wine characteristics

Aim: The stabilising efficacy against tartaric precipitations of polyaspartates-based products (PAs), in particular potassium polyaspartate (KPA), was tested with six different wines (three white and three red). Some side effects on wine characteristics (white wine colour stability, wine turbidity and filterability) were also studied. Results and conclusions: All PAs showed good stabilising efficacy against tartaric precipitations according to the cold test. With the same test, the PAs were stable in wine for 1 year of storage, which was the total duration of the study. The dose of 100 mg/L was sufficient to stabilise the tested wines. No differences in filterability were observed in comparison with MTA (metatartaric acid). The hypothesised protective effect against colour browning in white wines was not observed. Significance and impact of the study: The international wine trade requires stable wines. This paper provides information to support wineries in managing the use of KPA, as little information is available to date in the literature on this stabilising additive.