back sweeten

[tkutch]

How do you back sweeten a wine? I should know the answer to this but honestly I dont since I never back sweetened one. I like dry wines. I am only wanting to add about 1% of sugar to my 5 gallon batch. I am trying for a white Zin taste.

 

[Goodfella]

Just make sure you have stabilized with k-meta and sorbate (to avoid refermentation).


Then use a simple syrup (1 cup water, 2 cups sugar) heat water almost to boil, stir in sugar.


Add simple syrup to taste.


(Sweeten until just below where you want it.... It will intensify a little over time)

 

[tkutch]

Thanks....

How much k meta?

 

[Runningwolf]

1/4 teaspoon of k-meta for 5-6 gallon and 1/2 teaspoon of sorbate per gallon.

 

[tkutch]

What does the Sorbate do?

 

[cpfan]

What does the Sorbate do?

Birth Control for yeast...prevents re-fermentation.


Contrary to popular opinion, K-meta doesn't kill yeast, it only stuns it. The yeast will probably come back to life.


K-meta and K-sorbate should be used together before sweetening.


Steve

 

[tkutch]

Can I add sorbate in about a week after sweeten it? I dont think I have sorbate on hand but have k meta.

 

[Goodfella]

No.


Wait til you have some. Let k-meta and sorbate sit in wine a week or 2 before sweetening!!!

 

[tkutch]

Thanks. I will get some while I am out tomorrow and will just rack today.

 

[Goodfella]

No problem Buddy.


I am glad you asked.... Some people would have just done it, and then asked why their air lock is bubbling again.

 

[tkutch]

I racked today. Should I add the k meta today and not tomorrow when I add the sorbate. Or just wait till tomorrow to add both k meta and sorbate? Just dont know if 24 hours will hurt it without k meta.

 

[Goodfella]

Add them together. But its ok either way.

 

[AlFulchino]

just make sure you give that sorbate time to do its thing before you think of bottling

 

[tkutch]

I plan to start the sorbate and k meta tomorrow after going to George's to pick up sorbate. Then in 2 weeks do the sweetening. Then bottle around Christmas to March. All depends on time and if I want to let it rest for a while but not too long.

 

[AlFulchino]

sounds like a plan

 

[Goodfella]

Yep.... You have a good plan now.

 

[grapeman]

If you wait that long to bottle, you might want to add some more k-meta to boost it up to safe levels. It would be best to run some test for free S02 to check the level. If low, add before bottling.

 

[tkutch]

I played around with it today by adding some left over blackberry from a OB kit (merlot blackberry). I added it to a glass while racking it and was amazed how good it tasted for being so young. It has a great nose but lacked some body because it was a little tart. The sweetening of the blackberry made it taste great and I am not a fan of sweet wines. I enjoyed that the tartness settled down with the sweetener.

 

[Pumpkinman]

Great info, this will help a lot, I am planning on sweetening a Pinot Grigio.

 

[tcavan01]

You don't need to ad simple syrup. You can add sugar directly to the wine.