Glossary of Winemaking Terms - Y

Y

YAN

Yeast assimilable nitrogen, a measurement of amino acids and ammonia compounds that can be used by wine yeast during fermentation

Yeast

A microscopic unicellular fungi responsible for the conversion of sugars in must to alcohol. This process is known as alcoholic fermentation.

Yeast enzymes

The enzymes within yeast cells that each act as a catalyst for a specific activity during the fermentation process. There are at least 22 known enzymes that are active during fermentation of wine.