Silicon Dioxide
Silicon dioxide works well as a clearing agent since it acts as a tannin substitute and works well to remove bitterness from white wines. Recognised by the OIV, silicon diosxide is permitted for use in grape wine in over 60 countries worldwide.
Colloidal silicon dioxide solutions are aqueous dispersions of silicon dioxide particles which are hydroxylated on the surface and are, therefore, negatively charged. These preparations are used to clarify wines and are associated with protein-based clarifying agents.
Depending on the manner in which they are prepared, acidic or alkaline solutions are obtained containing sodium ions expressed as NaO2. Alkaline solutions are most often used. Colloidal silicon dioxide solutions are free from of organic compounds. Their concentration as determined by drying at 110 °C is always equal to or greater than 15 pp 100 (m/m) and is most often between 15 and 30.7. For further substance information, please see the International Oenological Codex.
Synonym(s): Silica
CAS Number: 7631-86-9
E Number: 551
INS Number: 551
International Organisations
Codex Alimentarius
-Food Category, Functional Class and Recommended Usage is not available at this time.
International Organisation of Vine and Wine (OIV)
-Food Category Wine (grape) Functional Class Clarification Colloidal silicon dioxide solution: processing aid Recommended Usage (International Code of Oenological Practices – Annex: Maximum Acceptable Limits)
FIVS
Classification Category 3 – Not naturally occurring in grapes and insignificant treatment residual in wine Recommended Usage Please refer to the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives’ (JECFA) “acceptable daily intake” (ADI) for recommended usage.
As outlined in the OIV’s International Code of Oenological Practices, silicon dioxide is used:
Used to clarify wines and are associated with protein-based clarifying agents.
Usage in Winemaking:
Silicon dioxide works well as a clearing agent since it acts as a tannin substitute and works well to remove bitterness from white wine
See FIVS technical papers for more information - click here.
