Fermentis SafŒno™ SH 12

SafŒno™ SH 12 Wine Yeast

Unlock vibrant tropical fruit, citrus, and varietal thiol character with SafŒno™ SH 12, a specialist wine yeast developed through a collaboration between French Institute of Vines and Wines and Lesaffre to enhance the aromatic potential of white and rosé wines.
Originally isolated from vineyards in the Gard region of South-East France, this advanced yeast strain was specifically selected for its exceptional ability to release aromatic thiols naturally present in grape varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard, Gros Manseng, Petit Manseng, Syrah, and Grenache.
The result is expressive wines bursting with grapefruit, citrus, tropical fruit, blackcurrant bud, and fresh fruit character while maintaining excellent balance, freshness, and acidity.

Quick Overview
Premium wine yeast for white and rosé wines
Exceptional thiol release and aroma enhancement
Intensifies grapefruit, citrus and tropical fruit notes
Excellent for Sauvignon Blanc and aromatic varieties
Alcohol tolerance up to 14.5% ABV
Reliable fermentation performance
Low nutrient requirements
Suitable for home winemaking and commercial production

Product Profile
Product Type: Active Dry Wine Yeast
Strain: SafŒno™ SH 12
Suitable For: White & Rosé Wines
Alcohol Tolerance: Up to 14.5% ABV
Fermentation Temperature: 10–30°C
Recommended Start Temperature: Above 18°C
Thiol Release: Very High
Ester Production: High
Nitrogen Requirements: Low
Fermentation Speed: Medium
Acidity Retention: High

What Makes SH 12 Special?
Many wine yeast strains simply ferment sugars into alcohol.
SafŒno™ SH 12 has been specifically selected to actively reveal aromatic compounds already present within the grapes.
Its unique enzymatic activity helps release powerful varietal thiols that contribute flavours and aromas such as:

• Grapefruit
• Passion fruit
• Tropical fruit
• Citrus zest
• Blackcurrant bud
• Fresh fruit character

This allows winemakers to produce wines with greater aromatic intensity while maintaining elegance and varietal expression.

Ideal Grape Varieties
SafŒno™ SH 12 performs particularly well with:

• Sauvignon Blanc
• Colombard
• Gros Manseng
• Petit Manseng
• Grenache Rosé
• Syrah Rosé
• Other aromatic white and rosé varieties
• Flavour & Aroma Contribution

Expect enhanced aromas of:

• Grapefruit
• Tropical fruits
• Citrus
• Passion fruit
• Blackcurrant bud

Supported by:

• Fresh acidity
• Long aromatic persistence
• Clean fermentation profile
• Complex fruit character
• Balanced structure

Fermentation Performance
SafŒno™ SH 12 offers excellent fermentation reliability.
Key benefits include:

• Excellent implantation ability
• Killer factor positive strain
• Short lag phase
• Complete fermentation capability
• Reliable performance in clarified musts
• Low hydrogen sulphide production
• Medium-low volatile acidity production

This combination helps produce clean, expressive wines with minimal fermentation issues.

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, a dosage of approximately 5g is recommended.

How To Use
Direct Pitch Method
SafŒno™ SH 12 can be added directly to the must.

Sprinkle the required amount evenly into the must
Mix thoroughly to ensure good distribution
Ferment within the recommended temperature range

Rehydration Method
For optimal performance:
Rehydrate yeast in 10 times its weight of clean water
Water temperature should be between 15–37°C
Leave for approximately 20 minutes
Stir gently
Add to must and mix thoroughly

Fermentation Guidance
For maximum thiol release and aroma development:

Start fermentation above 18°C
Maintain healthy nutrient levels
Avoid excessive clarification
Use quality fruit or grape must
Follow good oxygen management practices

In low nutrient musts, an organic yeast nutrient at pitching is recommended.

Perfect For Winemakers Who
Produce aromatic white wines
Make expressive rosé wines
Want stronger fruit aromas
Work with Sauvignon Blanc
Want enhanced grapefruit and tropical notes
Seek reliable fermentation performance

Frequently Asked Questions
What are thiols?
Thiols are naturally occurring aromatic compounds found in certain grape varieties. They contribute flavours and aromas such as grapefruit, passion fruit, citrus, and tropical fruit.

What wines is SH 12 best suited for?
SH 12 is ideal for aromatic white and rosé wines, particularly Sauvignon Blanc and other thiol-rich grape varieties.

What temperature should I ferment at?
The yeast performs between 10–30°C, but starting fermentation above 18°C is recommended for maximum thiol expression.

Can I use this for home winemaking?
Yes. SH 12 performs exceptionally well in both commercial wineries and small home winemaking batches.

Does this yeast need rehydration?
No. SafŒno™ SH 12 can be pitched directly into must, although rehydration remains an option for winemakers who prefer traditional yeast preparation.

What alcohol level can it achieve?
The strain can ferment wines up to approximately 14.5% ABV under suitable conditions.

Why Choose SafŒno™ SH 12?
SafŒno™ SH 12 is an excellent choice for winemakers seeking expressive, fruit-driven wines with enhanced varietal character.
Its ability to release aromatic thiols, maintain freshness, and deliver reliable fermentation performance makes it particularly valuable for producing premium white and rosé wines with vibrant citrus and tropical fruit character.