Abstract:  Effect of bentonite on fermentation and wine quality were evaluated in two varieties such as chardoney and muscat by simple bentonite addition and bentonite fining pre-inoculation. The results showed: Simple bentonite addition can increase the insoluble solid content of must,but it had no effect on the maximum fermentation rate and the overall fermentation time. Bentonite fining clarified the juice,but inhibited yeast fermentation and prolong the overall fermentation time,increased the remnant sugar of the wine. Ether simple bentonite addition or bentonite fining had no effect on the assimilative nitrogen content of must,so nitrogen nutrient supplementation did not restore fermentation rate to the untreated control.

Key words: bentonite, simple bentonite addition, bentonite fining, yeast fermentation