Wine yeast - AHB Red

AHB Red is our own-label red wine yeast, packed for up to 200 litres. It is the commercial-grade strain type winemakers use for full-bodied reds, in a quantity for people who crush grapes by the crate and ferment by the barrel.

What it is good at

A red wine strain is chosen to ferment warm, extract colour and tannin from the skins during the ferment, and build body rather than strip it. This is that strain. It is the yeast for a shiraz, cabernet or a blended red from a home vineyard or bought grapes.

When to choose it

Choose this for red grape wine in volume. For whites, sparkling and fruit wines choose the AHB AP White Champagne. For a single small batch of anything, Lalvin EC-1118 in a 5g sachet is the simpler buy.

How to use it

Rehydrate the dose for your batch in a little warm water and pitch once the crushed must is at temperature. Reds ferment warmer than whites; keep it within the range on the pack. Punch the cap down daily during the ferment on skins. Reseal and refrigerate the pack between batches.

Specifications

• Makes: up to 200 litres
• Type: red wine strain
• Dose and fermentation range: as printed on the pack

Reviewed by the AHB Brewing Team, September 2026.