Wine Fining
While wine is fermenting, sediment such as yeast, protein and other bits can form within the beverage. These can affect the flavor and appearance of the wine. Some winemakers feel these particles contribute to the taste and do not remove them; others feel they detract from the taste and remove them. Fining agents are added to the wine to bond with the unwanted items, making them quicker to settle to the bottom and easier to remove. Each fining agent reacts differently with wine, and some argue each affects the flavor profile differently. Winemakers may choose the animal products gelatin, isinglass, egg white, or casein or the non-animal products bentonite or sparkaloid.