Can I leave out Sorbate

[Vinoman]

I just started a new high end RJS Cabernet kit. After secondary fermentation and degassing you are supposed to add Metabisulfate and Potassium Sorbate. Since it is a dry wine, can I leave out the Potassium Sorbate?

 

[DG2001]

You sure can. No need to add sorbate unless you back sweetening.

 

[StBlGT]

Yes. Not needed.

 

[Vinoman]

Thank you...out it is. I'm hoping for my best tasting wine so far. I appreciate the quick response.

 

[Minnesotamaker]

Just make sure that the wine is fully dry. Your S.G. should be below 1.000. If you were to mistake a stuck ferment for a finished wine, you could have a ferment take off in the bottle later on.

 

[kevinlfifer]

For a dry red lower than .960 sg is my preference. I also leave out the the chitosan and let time do the work.

 

[JohnT]

Also agree. I would drop the sorbate, then consider MLF.

 

[cmason1957]

Also agree. I would drop the sorbate, then consider MLF.

Don't consider Mlf, this is a kit. Not from grapes. But leaving it the sorbate is fine.

 

[Rocky]

I very, very rarely use sorbate in my wines and only on the very, very rare occasions that I intend to sweeten the wine. In making a red, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, I throw away the sorbate with the packaging.

 

[JohnT]

Don't consider Mlf, this is a kit. Not from grapes. But leaving it the sorbate is fine.

My bad. Mason is right. MLF was a big no-no when using sorbate, but I forgot that this was a kit and the malic content is different than that of fresh grapes.