Lalvin DV10 Yeast
According to the Lallemand website, DV10 yeast:
“DV10 was selected by the SOEC in the Champagne region and is approved by the CIVC in Epernay. DV10 has strong fermentation kinetics over a wide temperature range and relatively low nitrogen demands. DV10 is famous for its ability to ferment under stressful conditions of low pH, high total SO2 and low temperature. Low foaming and low VA production characterize it.
DV10 is considered a clean fermenter that respects varietal character and avoids bitter sensory contributions of other one-dimensional ‘workhorse’ strains such as Prise de Mousse. It is classified as a Saccharomyces cerevisiae bayanus.”
Some including Vinquiry Analytical Services suggest Lalvin DV10 yeast for stuck fermentations. This strain of yeast tolerates diverse conditions, including temperatures between 10C and 35C; has low requirement for nitrogen; and is an active competitor against other yeasts (see Lalvin Yeast Chart).
Upon the advice of Fred Bulbeck, winemaker at Scotch Block Winery, I used the DV10 strain of yeast in a blackberry wine I am making. Relative to other wines I have made, DV10 yeast is indeed a very fast fermenting yeast.
Within 9 days, the specific gravity of my blackberry wine went from 1.092 to 0.092. The final specific gravity is 0.090 – to make for a very dry wine.
I did have problems finding sources for DV10 yeast as Lalvin apparently does not provide the yeast in small packets – instead, retailers must buy DV10 yeast strain in bulk quantities. It appears you will only find this yeast from retailers that can buy in bulk and then repackage it in smaller quantities.
I purchased my DV10 yeast from Beer, Beer & More Beer who have DV10 yeast available in three different quantities: 8 gram, 80 gram, and 500 gram.
I will admit I don’t really know if there would be any taste difference between using DV10 yeast and something else; but I was impressed with the speed of fermentation with this variety. I purchased a few packets and plan on doing some experimentation and will definitely report on my findings.