Yeast
/YEEST/Microorganisms that convert sugar to alcohol.
Full Definition
Yeasts are single-celled fungi that ferment sugar into alcohol and CO2. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the primary wine yeast. Winemakers use commercial cultured yeasts (selected for reliability, flavor profile) or indigenous wild yeasts (naturally present, more unpredictable). Yeast choice affects fermentation character and wine style.