Chilean Malbec, Syrah w/grapes questions

[Longtrain]

I'm doing my first juice and grapes blend. I have mixed 6 gallons of Malbec and Syrah juice along with 36 lbs of Malbec grapes. OG was 1.090 and after bringing it up to temperature I pitched RC212 yeast. It has started to ferment after just a few hours.

Should it be stirred more then once a day?

As the grapes break down, will the SG go up or is 1.090 it? Also, I did MLF on prior batches of juice using WLP675 with trying results. I wouldn't use it again. I am considering VP41 or Bacchus this time, is one better then the other for this type and quantity of wine? I also have some Opti-malo available if warranted.

Thanks for any insight.

Tony

 

[Boatboy24]

In my experience, SG doesn't move much, but might go up slightly in the first 24 hours or so.

I've had good experience with both Bacchus and VP41, but I think VP41 has a wider range of sulfite, Acid and ABV tolerance. At least based on memory.

I stir 2-3 times a day. 1 is probably enough, but I'd try for 2 if you can.

 

[sdelli]

I'm doing my first juice and grapes blend. I have mixed 6 gallons of Malbec and Syrah juice along with 36 lbs of Malbec grapes. OG was 1.090 and after bringing it up to temperature I pitched RC212 yeast. It has started to ferment after just a few hours.



Should it be stirred more then once a day?



As the grapes break down, will the SG go up or is 1.090 it? Also, I did MLF on prior batches of juice using WLP675 with trying results. I wouldn't use it again. I am considering VP41 or Bacchus this time, is one better then the other for this type and quantity of wine? I also have some Opti-malo available if warranted.



Thanks for any insight.



Tony

Punch down twice a day.... Morning and night... I use a tool that looks like a potato masher. As the yeast converts the sugars to alcohol the sg will fall. When the grapes fall and stop creating a cap check the sg.... It should be around 1.00 or lower... Then press. Either VP41 or Bachus is good... Much better then WLP675!


Sam

 

[Longtrain]

Thanks guys, ordered the Bacchus, that stuffs not cheap, $15 for 1 gram for 6 gallons. Fermenting nicely, will punch down at least morning and night. Found out its B/O'ed. Picked up Wyeast MLB at the LHBS.

Tony

 

[Longtrain]

So far so good, fermentation and crush went well, moved to carboys along with Wyeast MLB. There is activity, but until I test, we'll see if it's progressing ok.

Question, I kept the heavier sludge to a minimum going into the carboys, but of course, I anticipate a fair amount of lees and stuff. Rack after MLF is complete?

Thanks,

Tony