The yellow (there is also red) blood liquor salt (also yellow potash, potassium ferrocyanide or potassium hexacyanidoferrate) is a complex potassium-iron compound and is used in viticulture for the so-called blue fining. It reacts with copper when iron is also present and binds both to form an insoluble blue substance that settles on the soil. Since prussic acid can also be formed in the process, its use is subject to authorisation. By means of a test solution in a small quantity of wine (10 ml), a "pre-test for iron" can be carried out to determine whether blue fining is required before bottling. The determination of the blood lye salt requirement that may then actually be required may only be carried out by authorised persons. Improper use may result in the wine defect bitter almond note.
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Restaurantleiter, Sommelier, Weindozent und Autor; Dresden