Bench Trial Protocol

Last updated: 8/2022

Applies to: beverage producers and winemakers conducting bench trials with lysozyme, tannins, enzymes and fining agents.

WHY CONDUCT BENCH TRIALS?

We recommend performing bench trials with many of our products including lysozyme, tannins, enzymes, and fining agents. A bench trial is a small-scale test that simulates the effect the product will have on a large volume of wine. Bench trials are used to evaluate the efficacy of treatments, determine proper dose rate, and gain familiarity with addition methods. By working in small volumes, large volume mistakes can be avoided.

Wine matrices differ for many reasons (vintage variations, winemaking practices, etc.), so bench trials must be repeated for every lot of wine. An additive that worked last year or in a different lot may not work again in the same way or at the same dose. Bench trials also demonstrate how an additive will behave during preparation (rehydration) or mixing. Many fining products have unique and sometimes difficult solubility issues which can pose a challenge in the cellar. Bench trials alert the winemaker to potential issues and can help formulate a more efficient plan when additions are made in the cellar.

PROTOCOL

Step 1: Decide which dosages to prepare for the trial (for example: Control, 100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm). Consult product technical information for manufacturer’s recommended dosages. Ensure a control (untreated sample) is included.
Step 2: Prepare stock solution:
  • a) Choose the concentration of stock solution to prepare in % (w/v) for powdered products or % (v/v) for liquid products
  • b) Choose volume of stock solution to prepare (in mL)
  • c)Calculate how much product is necessary to prepare the stock solution by using the worksheet below.
    • PRO TIP: A 2.5%, 5% or 10% stock solution can be prepared by adding 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 grams of product to total volume of 100 mL, respectively. Liquid products can also be prepared in this way by adding 2.5, 5.0, or 10 mL product to clean water for a total volume of 100 mL.
Expand this image
  • d) Measure the product. Mix it with a portion of the water needed for the stock solution in a volumetric flask (or graduated cylinder). Allow it to dissolve/mix in. Then, add the rest of the volume of water to bring the solution to the correct volume.
  • e) Agitate to mix.

Step 3: Prepare trial:

  • a) Determine how much stock solution should be added to each of the trial dosages using either the worksheet or the “cheat sheet” below. For units other than ppm, refer to the ">
    Expand this image
    Expand this image
    Expand this image
    • b) Add the appropriate volume of stock solution to the trial bottles, then fill to the proper level with wine (evacuating the head space with gas, if possible).
    • c) Agitate gently to mix.
    • Step 4: Taste and/or test after the appropriate waiting period. Consult product tech sheet for recommended contact time.


    • PRO TIP: For fining agents, this might just be as long as it takes the agent to settle. For tannins, it should be at least several days, but it is even better if the trial can sit for at least one week. For THERMIC, it should be at least 10 days.
    • Finishing Kit for Bench Trials


    This protocol applies to all types and brands of products you may need to bench trial; however, should you choose to work with Scott Labs finishing products, consider using our Finishing Kit for Bench Trials. The kit contains trial sizes of our entire tannin portfolio and samples of REDULESS™, ULTIMA SOFT and FLASHGUM R LIQUIDE.


    Shop Now

    Bench Trials With Oak

    Bench trials with our THERMIC line of oak infusion products look a little different than what is described in this protocol. Please click below to order a free trial kit then follow the instructions on the included card. No extra tools are required.

    Request a Kit

Bench Trial Protocol

Last updated: 8/2022

Applies to: beverage producers and winemakers conducting bench trials with lysozyme, tannins, enzymes and fining agents.

WHY CONDUCT BENCH TRIALS?

We recommend performing bench trials with many of our products including lysozyme, tannins, enzymes, and fining agents. A bench trial is a small-scale test that simulates the effect the product will have on a large volume of wine. Bench trials are used to evaluate the efficacy of treatments, determine proper dose rate, and gain familiarity with addition methods. By working in small volumes, large volume mistakes can be avoided.

Wine matrices differ for many reasons (vintage variations, winemaking practices, etc.), so bench trials must be repeated for every lot of wine. An additive that worked last year or in a different lot may not work again in the same way or at the same dose. Bench trials also demonstrate how an additive will behave during preparation (rehydration) or mixing. Many fining products have unique and sometimes difficult solubility issues which can pose a challenge in the cellar. Bench trials alert the winemaker to potential issues and can help formulate a more efficient plan when additions are made in the cellar.

PROTOCOL

Step 1: Decide which dosages to prepare for the trial (for example: Control, 100 ppm, 200 ppm and 300 ppm). Consult product technical information for manufacturer’s recommended dosages. Ensure a control (untreated sample) is included.
Step 2: Prepare stock solution:
  • a) Choose the concentration of stock solution to prepare in % (w/v) for powdered products or % (v/v) for liquid products
  • b) Choose volume of stock solution to prepare (in mL)
  • c)Calculate how much product is necessary to prepare the stock solution by using the worksheet below.
    • PRO TIP: A 2.5%, 5% or 10% stock solution can be prepared by adding 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 grams of product to total volume of 100 mL, respectively. Liquid products can also be prepared in this way by adding 2.5, 5.0, or 10 mL product to clean water for a total volume of 100 mL.
Expand this image
  • d) Measure the product. Mix it with a portion of the water needed for the stock solution in a volumetric flask (or graduated cylinder). Allow it to dissolve/mix in. Then, add the rest of the volume of water to bring the solution to the correct volume.
  • e) Agitate to mix.

Step 3: Prepare trial:

  • a) Determine how much stock solution should be added to each of the trial dosages using either the worksheet or the “cheat sheet” below. For units other than ppm, refer to the ">
    Expand this image
    Expand this image
    Expand this image
    • b) Add the appropriate volume of stock solution to the trial bottles, then fill to the proper level with wine (evacuating the head space with gas, if possible).
    • c) Agitate gently to mix.
    • Step 4: Taste and/or test after the appropriate waiting period. Consult product tech sheet for recommended contact time.


    • PRO TIP: For fining agents, this might just be as long as it takes the agent to settle. For tannins, it should be at least several days, but it is even better if the trial can sit for at least one week. For THERMIC, it should be at least 10 days.
    • Finishing Kit for Bench Trials


    This protocol applies to all types and brands of products you may need to bench trial; however, should you choose to work with Scott Labs finishing products, consider using our Finishing Kit for Bench Trials. The kit contains trial sizes of our entire tannin portfolio and samples of REDULESS™, ULTIMA SOFT and FLASHGUM R LIQUIDE.


    Shop Now

    Bench Trials With Oak

    Bench trials with our THERMIC line of oak infusion products look a little different than what is described in this protocol. Please click below to order a free trial kit then follow the instructions on the included card. No extra tools are required.

    Request a Kit