Influence of Enzymatic Clarification with a Pectin Methylesterase on Cider Fermentation

In this study, the effect of two apple juice treatments (clarification with a pectin methylesterase in the presence and absence of sulphiting) on the cidermaking process was investigated. Pre-fermentative clarification with the pectin methylesterase (Rapidase CPE) slowed the alcoholic fermentation in respect to traditional fermentation, the greatest effect being found for the combination of the enzymatic treatment with sulphur dioxide addition. With this treatment the start of the fermentation was delayed seven days. Enzymatic clarification delayed malolactic fermentation (MLF) and the interaction of both treatments produced a cider in which malolactic fermentation had not occurred. Both treatments ensured that the volatile acid levels during the maturation phase were significantly lower than in the traditional fermentation. Enzymatic clarification led to lower levels of yeasts during the active phase of alcoholic fermentation with respect to the control. When this treatment was combined with sulphiting, a decrease in apiculate yeast numbers during alcoholic fermentation was observed and a better survival of these species was noted after 59 days of fermentation.