Fermentis SafŒno™ FV 19

SafŒno™ FV 19 Wine Yeast

Create smooth, fruit-forward red wines with exceptional drinkability using SafŒno™ FV 19. Developed by Fermentis through extensive microvinification trials in collaboration with leading French research institutes and international oenological centres, this specialist red wine yeast is designed to enhance fruit character, soften tannins, and produce elegant wines ready for earlier release.
SafŒno™ FV 19 is particularly valued for its ability to reduce the perception of vegetal notes while amplifying ripe red and black fruit aromas. The result is a softer, rounder wine with improved tannin quality, reduced astringency, and excellent balance.
Ideal for modern red wine styles where fruit expression and smoothness are key priorities.

Quick Overview

• Premium yeast for fruity red wines
• Enhances red and black fruit aromas
• Helps soften tannins and reduce astringency
• Improves mouthfeel and roundness
• Masks vegetal notes
• Suitable for early-drinking red wines
• Alcohol tolerance up to 16% ABV
• Excellent choice for home and commercial winemaking

Product Profile
Product Type: Active Dry Wine Yeast
Strain: SafŒno™ FV 19
Suitable For: Red Wines
Alcohol Tolerance: Up to 16% ABV
Fermentation Temperature: 17–28°C
Fermentation Speed: Medium & Steady
Nitrogen Requirements: Medium
Malic Acid Consumption: Very Low
H₂S Production: Low
SO₂ Production: Low
Fruit Expression: High

What Makes FV 19 Different?
SafŒno™ FV 19 has been specifically selected to create wines that are:

• Fruity
• Smooth
• Elegant
• Easy drinking
• Ready for earlier release

One of its standout characteristics is its ability to soften the perception of tannins while enhancing fruit intensity. This helps create wines that feel rounder and more approachable, even when young.
The strain also helps reduce the perception of green or vegetal notes that can sometimes appear in red wines, allowing fruit character to take centre stage.

Ideal Grape Varieties

SafŒno™ FV 19 performs exceptionally well with:

• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Syrah
• Grenache
• Tempranillo
• Nero d'Avola
• Nebbiolo

It is particularly useful for winemakers aiming to produce fruit-led, approachable red wines.

Flavour & Aroma Contribution
This strain promotes expressive aromas and flavours of:

• Cherry
• Pomegranate
• Blackcurrant
• Blackberry
• Red berries
• Floral notes

Supported by:

• Soft tannins
• Rounded mouthfeel
• Fresh finish
• Reduced astringency
• Balanced structure

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™ FV 19 offers:

• Strong implantation ability
• Short to medium lag phase
• Consistent fermentation kinetics
• Reliable completion of fermentation
• Excellent fruit expression
• Good performance across a broad temperature range

The strain is particularly well suited to red wines intended for earlier consumption while still maintaining structure and balance.

How To Use
Direct Pitch Method
SafŒno™ FV 19 can be added directly to the must.

• Sprinkle the yeast evenly over 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
• Allow to stand for approximately 20 minutes
• Stir gently
• Add to the must and mix thoroughly

Fermentation Guidance
For best results:

• Ferment between 17–28°C
• Maintain adequate nutrient levels
• Ensure good oxygenation at the start of fermentation
• Manage cap extraction appropriately
• Monitor fermentation temperatures closely

The strain performs particularly well when fruit preservation and tannin softness are desired.

Perfect For Winemakers Who

• Want fruit-forward red wines
• Prefer softer tannin profiles
• Produce wines for earlier release
• Work with Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
• Want to reduce vegetal characteristics
• Seek approachable and elegant wine styles

Frequently Asked Questions
What style of wine is FV 19 best suited for?
FV 19 is ideal for smooth, fruity red wines with enhanced red and black fruit character and reduced tannin harshness.

Does this yeast soften tannins?
Yes. One of its key characteristics is improving tannin perception, reducing astringency, and creating a rounder mouthfeel.

What fruit aromas does it promote?
The strain enhances aromas of cherry, pomegranate, blackberry, blackcurrant, and other red and black fruits.

Can I use this for home winemaking?
Yes. It performs exceptionally well in both commercial and home winemaking applications.

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™ FV 19 can ferment wines up to approximately 16% ABV under suitable conditions.

Why Choose SafŒno™ FV 19?
SafŒno™ FV 19 is an excellent choice for winemakers seeking fruit-driven red wines with soft tannins, excellent balance, and strong consumer appeal.
Its ability to enhance fruit character, reduce astringency, and produce elegant wines ready for earlier release makes it particularly valuable for modern red wine production.