Why Yeast-Based Nutrients are Better than DAP: Organic vs. Inorganic Nitrogen

Learn why organic yeast nutrition is an important part of wine quality wine production and helps to ensure reliable fermentation. 

What's the Difference?

Diammonium Phosphate (DAP)

Inorganic Nitrogen

Inorganic nitrogen is supplied as ammonia (NH₃). The most common winemaking source is diammonium phosphate (DAP), which can be found as a standalone nutrient or can be part of a blended nutrient (DAP with inactivated yeast).

Yeast-Based Nutrients

Organic Nitrogen

Organic nitrogen is supplied as amino acids. Common winemaking sources are nutrients derived from autolyzed yeast. These nutrients supply up to 19 different amino acids as well as naturally occuring vitamins and minerals from yeast.

Why Choose Yeast-Based Nutrients

Although yeast like DAP, it is akin to junk food. Yeast use it quickly and have a metabolic response much like a "sugar rush." Yeast based nutrients are more like a balanced meal, providing sustained nutrition over a longer period of time.

Reliable Fermentation

Yeast-based nutrients help avoid the "DAP crash" meaning fewer temperature spikes, a more even fermentation curve, and a quicker finish to fermentation.

Better Aromatics

Yeast-based nutrients better support the production of aromatic compounds. They also help avoid yeast stress induced by the "DAP crash" that can lead to the production of off-odors (H₂S and VA). 

Healthier Yeast

Research has shown that yeast-based nutrients lead to healthier yeast that exhibit fewer stress markers. Additionally, the healthier the alcoholic fermentation, the healthier the malolactic fermentation.

Learn More about Yeast Nutrition