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Good point. I doubt anyone could tell the difference with such a small amount.

So at what point is there a risk of dilution? How much volume is too much to top up with another wine?

I was surprised as well. Everything I read had me expecting a 3-4 week MLF. I actually only used about half the package because I was worried about over inoculating, if that's a thing. That's still a lot of bacteria for 3 gallons though.

UPDATE 3: It worked! Here's a breakdown of the process since the last update: 11/25 - added LAB to the MLF batch. 11/29 - Took SG readings on both batches: Control - .996, MLF - 1.002 11/30 - Took SG readings on both batches: Control - .994, MLF - .996. I also took malic acid readings from...

UPDATE 2: Primary fermentation has begun! As of yesterday morning, I have 2 buckets with 3 gal each undergoing primary fermentation. I want to make both batches with as much consistency as possible so that the only differing variable is the malolactic conversion on the one batch. With that in...

UPDATE 1: So I received the kit and am currently gathering the rest of the required equipment/materials. I gave myself a scare by reading the ingredients and thinking that list was for the grape juice concentrate. I saw the potassium sorbate and thought it was ruined. The experiment will...

Hey Rick. 2 reasons: 1. To find out if it can be done successfully. 2. If it can be done, to discover if there is any real benefit/improvement to the resulting wine.

Based on everyone's input, I'm going to be split the batch up prior to fermentation so that I can co-inoculate for MLF. I'm leaning toward VP-41 MLB purely based on reading about people's past success with that strain. I ended up purchasing a Wine Expert Selection Shiraz kit. It was the lowest...

Thanks for the input. So you recommend starting MLF during primary? I have concerns. Won't the LAB be competing with the yeast for nutrients and possibly result in a stuck ferment? Also, let's say the kit manufacturer used a sorbate to preserve the concentrate before packaging, I'm afraid...

Is there one that you recommend?

I haven't gotten that far yet. The only one that I've looked at so far is White Labs WLP675.

It seems the general consensus is that kit wine and MLF do not go well together. Either producing harsh aromas or affecting the acid balance and leaving the wine tasting terribly (flabby). I did a lot of googling and online searching to find out whether anyone has ever successfully done MLF on...