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Today is day 7 of Malbec fermentation. Because of slow fermentation, I added yeast yeast nutrient 3 days ago. Still sugar present (potential alcohol of 3.5%). I am using a hydrometer. Should I add more yeast nutrient?

Purchased 20 cases of Chilean Cabernet. Yield was a little over 25 gallons. Pressed a few days ago. Added ML yeast. The wine is stored in 100 liter variable capacity SS tanks. A winemaker friend of mine advised to stir the product at least once. After 2 weeks commence 1st racking. Is it safe to...

I made Chilean Syrah back in May. I just completed another racking (MLF Complete), It's being stored in SS tanks. However I would like to incorporate an oak flavor to the wine. Two methods are oak chips in a Muslin bag and drop into the wine or measured amounts of Oak powder. Your thoughts...

I just performed a second racking (Chilean Syrah) with Malolactic Fernentstion complete. I added K-Meta. Once I inflated the bladder wine overflowed into the airlock port. I am assuming this is due to the K-Meta gases escaping. As an aside my Chilean Syrah is outstanding! Your input...

I am looking to cool my basement down to about 60°. The current temperature right now is approximately 68° and I think that that is probably as high as it will get during the summer. I have several batches of wine that are undergoing the aging process. I am very concerned that if I don't...

Spring 2015 Chilean Syrah Winemaking Report Purchased my imported Chilean Grapes on May 14 (20 cases with a potential yield between 25-30 gallons). I was impressed at the quality of the grapes. They were beautifully packed in 18lb plastic crates. It appears as if the Chileans are very...

I am planning to purchase a new crusher/destemmer. The models come in either ALL stainless Steel or painted (hopper is SS while the bottom is painted). Is it worth spending the extra money to purchase an ALL stainless? I have heard that over time the painted models will eventually peel and...

I have a batch of pear wine that has the dreaded hydrogen sulfide or rotten egg odor. I read in in Winemaker magazine that copper can remedy the situation. Just wondering if anyone has experimented with this method. Also I read there is a chemical called Bocksin that is supposed to do...

I've managed to locate a used wine press, No. 50. It is only 2 years old. Should I be concerned about used equipment especially since the staves are made out of wood? Specifically bacteria? I mention this because I've heard the horror stories about used oak barrels. Your thoughts are...

I just purchased 2 Marchisio SS 100 liter fermentation tanks. They did not come with stands. I am trying to figure out what kind of stand I can create or buy. I went to Lowes today and they had sturdy wooden saw horses that can hold up to 1000 pounds of weight. I figure I purchase 2 of these...

I purchased about 4 gallons of pear juice - Looza brand from Belgium. Added sugar to the mix to bring to SG of 1.15. Added K-Meta and let sit for 24 hours. Also added Pectic enzyme as well. EC-1118 yeast - which I call the powerhouse yeast.:gb Fermentation started 24 hours later. Three...

Primary fermentation complete as of today. SG was .99. Placed into a Carboy with airlock to begin secondary fermentation. I have to say it has a pleasant taste. Question: priot to commencement of primary fermentation, I did add peptic enzyme to thr brew. Should I add more peptic enzyme post...

Purchased 3 gallons of fresh Pineapple juice. Added the necessary sugar to bring the SG to 1.09. Also added my SO2 and Pectic powder. Added Lavlin yeast as well. Fermentation began the next day. On day 3 the SG measured 1.05. Primary fermentation should be ready by Sunday or Monday. I am...

Good Morning. I purchased 2 cases of Nero D'Avola Grapes yesterday. At 36lb per case it should yield about 5 gallons. Here is the fact pattern: 1) Separated grapes from stems yesterday. 2) Placed crushed contents into primary fermentation tub. 3) Completion time was about 6:00pm 4) Placed...