Lalvin D47 Wine YeastYeast
Lalvin

Lalvin D47 Wine Yeast

Lalvin D47 is a go-to strain for home winemakers seeking a full-bodied, textured white wine or mead with enhanced mouthfeel and aromatic complexity.

4.6Editor score 4.6 / 5#2 of 10 in Yeast
Yeast SpeciesSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Alcohol ToleranceUp to 14% ABV
Optimal Temperature Range59-86°F (15-30°C)
Package Size5g sachet

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Overview

What you get with the Lalvin D47 Wine Yeast

Lalvin D47 is a premium strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae selected specifically for winemakers and home vintners who want to capture the delicate aromatics of white and rosé wines. Originally isolated in the Côtes-du-Rhône region of France, this yeast has become a favorite among producers working with Chardonnay, Viognier, and other full-bodied white varietals, as well as those crafting mead and cider. D47 is prized for its ability to enhance mouthfeel and build a rich, creamy texture in the finished wine, while also accentuating the natural fruit and floral notes already present in the must. Home winemakers appreciate that this strain produces minimal volatile acidity and low hydrogen sulfide, resulting in a cleaner fermentation with fewer off-odors to manage during the process.

Working with Lalvin D47 in a home winemaking setup is straightforward, even for those relatively new to the craft. The yeast performs best within a fermentation temperature range of roughly 59 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit, though many winemakers find that staying on the cooler end of that spectrum helps preserve the more delicate aromatic compounds that this strain is known for enhancing. It has a moderate alcohol tolerance, typically fermenting successfully up to around 14 percent ABV, making it suitable for a wide range of recipes from lighter table wines to more robust dessert-style batches. Because D47 can be somewhat nutrient-hungry, supplementing the must with a quality yeast nutrient blend is recommended to ensure a healthy, complete fermentation without stalling or producing unwanted sulfur compounds.

Packaged in convenient sachets, Lalvin D47 is a dried active yeast that offers excellent shelf stability and ease of use for home winemaking enthusiasts stocking up for multiple batches throughout the season. Rehydration before pitching is a simple step that activates the yeast and gives it the best possible start in the must, leading to a more reliable and vigorous fermentation. This strain has built a strong reputation for producing wines with enhanced glycerol content, which contributes to a silky, full-mouthfeel finish that many winemakers specifically seek out when crafting barrel-aged whites or specialty meads. Whether a hobbyist is experimenting with a small batch of homemade wine or pursuing more ambitious fruit wine and cider projects, Lalvin D47 remains a trusted, versatile choice for achieving balanced, aromatic, and texturally satisfying results.

  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain isolated from Côtes-du-Rhône, France
  • Enhances mouthfeel and glycerol production for fuller body
  • Ideal for Chardonnay, Viognier, Roussanne, and other full-bodied whites
  • Also widely used for mead and fruit wines
  • Ferments well in temperature range 59-86°F (15-30°C)
  • Alcohol tolerance up to 14% ABV
  • Low foaming, compact lees for easier racking
  • Available in 5g sachets for home winemaking batches
Spec sheet

Technical specifications

Lalvin D47 Wine Yeast5 specs
Yeast Species
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Alcohol Tolerance
Up to 14% ABV
Optimal Temperature Range
59-86°F (15-30°C)
Package Size
5g sachet
Flocculation
Medium-High
Trade-offs

Pros & cons

+What we like

  • Produces rich, round mouthfeel and enhances varietal character
  • Excellent for building texture in low-tannin whites and meads
  • Reliable, vigorous fermentation starts quickly
  • Good flocculation leads to clearer wine with less filtering
  • Widely available and affordable for hobbyists
  • Works well across a broad temperature range

−Watch out for

  • Can produce sulfur compounds if nutrient levels are too low
  • Not ideal for high-alcohol dessert wines above 14%
  • Requires proper rehydration technique for best results
  • Can be slow to restart if stressed by temperature swings
  • Less suited for light, crisp styles needing neutral yeast character
Our verdict

Should you buy it?

4.6

Lalvin D47 is a go-to strain for home winemakers seeking a full-bodied, textured white wine or mead with enhanced mouthfeel and aromatic complexity. It performs reliably across a range of temperatures and fruit types, though attentive nutrient management is key to avoiding sulfur off-notes. A versatile, budget-friendly choice for Chardonnay, Viognier, and honey-based meads alike.

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