Fermentis SafŒno™ EF 85

SafŒno™ EF 85 Wine Yeast

Produce elegant, fruit-forward white wines with freshness, balance, and varietal expression using SafŒno™ EF 85. Selected in France's Loire Valley through a research programme conducted in partnership with the French Institute of Vines and Wines, this premium wine yeast was developed to enhance fruit complexity while preserving the natural character of the grape.
SafŒno™ EF 85 is renowned for its ability to create balanced white wines with layered fruit aromas, vibrant acidity, and a refined mouthfeel. Its unique ester production profile helps develop complex fruity notes without overwhelming varietal character, making it an excellent choice for both aromatic and neutral grape varieties.
Whether you're producing Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Muscat, Grenache Blanc, or Ugni Blanc, EF 85 delivers elegant wines with freshness and finesse.

Quick Overview

• Premium yeast for elegant white wines
• Enhances fruit complexity and freshness
• Preserves varietal character
• Suitable for aromatic and neutral grape varieties
• Excellent acidity retention
• Alcohol tolerance up to 15.5% ABV
• Reliable fermentation performance
• Suitable for home and commercial winemaking

Product Profile
Product Type: Active Dry Wine Yeast
Strain: SafŒno™ EF 85
Suitable For: White Wines
Alcohol Tolerance: Up to 15.5% ABV
Fermentation Temperature: 10–30°C
Fermentation Speed: Fast & Consistent
Nitrogen Requirements: Medium
Acidity Retention: Excellent
Ethyl Ester Production: High
Acetate Ester Production: Medium
H₂S Production: Low

What Makes EF 85 Special?
SafŒno™ EF 85 was selected to create wines that are both expressive and balanced.
Its unique fermentation profile produces:

• Complex fruit aromas
• Fresh citrus character
• Elegant structure
• Excellent varietal definition
• Bright acidity
• Long-lasting freshness

Unlike some highly aromatic yeast strains that can dominate a wine, EF 85 enhances fruit character while allowing the grape variety itself to remain the focus.

Ideal Grape Varieties
SafŒno™ EF 85 performs exceptionally well with:
Aromatic Varieties

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Muscat

Neutral Varieties

• Chardonnay
• Grenache Blanc
• Ugni Blanc
• Sémillon

Its versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of white wine styles.

Flavour & Aroma Contribution
Expect enhanced aromas and flavours of:

• Fresh white fruits
• Citrus
• Pear
• Apple
• Stone fruit
• Delicate floral notes

Supported by:

• Fresh acidity
• Balanced structure
• Clean finish
• Elegant mouthfeel
• Good aromatic persistence

Home Winemaking Dosage
Recommended Dosage
Use:

• 0.2g per litre
• 2g per 10 litres
• 4g per 20 litres
• 4.6g per 23 litres
• 5g per 25 litres

For most home winemaking batches between 20–25 litres, approximately 5g of yeast is recommended.

Fermentation Performance
SafŒno™ EF 85 offers:

• High implantation ability
• Killer positive strain
• Fast and reliable fermentation
• Excellent alcohol tolerance
• Strong fermentation security
• Consistent results across a wide range of conditions

Its balanced ester production helps create fruit complexity without excessive fermentation-derived character.

Why Acidity Retention Matters

One of EF 85's most valuable characteristics is its ability to preserve acidity.
This helps create wines that are:

• Fresher
• More balanced
• Better structured
• More food-friendly
• More age-worthy

The result is a bright, refreshing finish that enhances overall wine quality.

How To Use
Direct Pitch Method
SafŒno™ EF 85 can be added directly to the must.

• Sprinkle the yeast evenly into the must
• Mix thoroughly
• Ensure even distribution throughout the batch
• Ferment within the recommended temperature range

Rehydration Method
For traditional yeast preparation:

• Rehydrate in 10 times its weight of water
• Use clean water between 15–37°C
• Leave for approximately 20 minutes
• Stir gently
• Add to the must and homogenise thoroughly

Fermentation Guidance
For best results:

• Ferment between 10–30°C
• Maintain adequate yeast nutrition
• Ensure good oxygenation at the start of fermentation
• Monitor fermentation temperatures carefully
• Protect wine from unnecessary oxidation

The strain performs well across a wide range of winemaking conditions while maintaining its elegant aromatic profile.

Perfect For Winemakers Who

• Produce premium white wines
• Want balanced fruit expression
• Prefer elegant wine styles
• Work with Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
• Want excellent freshness and acidity
• Seek reliable fermentation performance

Frequently Asked Questions
What wines is EF 85 best suited for?
It is ideal for elegant white wines where freshness, balance, and varietal character are important.

Does this yeast work with Chardonnay?
Yes. EF 85 performs exceptionally well with Chardonnay and other neutral grape varieties, enhancing fruit complexity without overpowering varietal character.

What aromas does it promote?
The strain enhances fresh fruit, citrus, pear, apple, stone fruit, and subtle floral notes.

Can I use this for home winemaking?
Yes. The yeast is perfectly suited to both commercial wineries and home winemaking batches.

Does it require rehydration?
No. As an E2U™ yeast strain, it can be pitched directly into the must, although rehydration remains an option.

What alcohol level can it achieve?
SafŒno™ EF 85 can ferment wines up to approximately 15.5% ABV under suitable conditions.

Why Choose SafŒno™ EF 85?
SafŒno™ EF 85 is an excellent choice for winemakers looking to produce elegant, balanced white wines with freshness, fruit complexity, and varietal purity.
Its ability to enhance fruit expression while preserving acidity and grape character makes it one of the most versatile white wine yeast strains available.