First Time with Grapes

[robie]

Sorry. I just re-read your last post and now see you already added the mlb. Three of those carboys really need topped off some way or another.

 

[s2000]

Oh sorry that picture is from removing the gross lees on the first 3. I have topped off to three fingers space after adding bacteria for MLF. I stirred last night which marked 3 days in the demijohns. I plan on possibly going up there tomorrow and checking on progress and doing another stir.

I still don't have a Chromatography tester yet but plan on getting one for week 2. What else should I inspect for MLF? Is it supposed to be bubbling? Or what else should I monitor for signs of MLF? I figure it has to stay in the carboys for 4 to 6 weeks then off to the barrel.

 

[s2000]

Well its been a week now and stirred it up yesterday. Demijohns 1-5 had stable juice temp of 60 and gravity of 1.000. The ph varied from 3.35 to 3.5 but I guess still within range of 3.3 to 3.6. Its all going to get blended into a 60 gallon french medium toast barrel anyways.

When I was stirring I could see the stuff in the liquid and bubble rising as well. Hope its all working its magic. I guess time will tell.

Plan on doing a Chromatography Test in another week.

 

[joea132]

I've never done an MLF chromatography test. I usually just taste for green apple to see. Let me know how the test goes though, it might be nice for another tool in the tool box.

 

[s2000]

I also found this test for Malic Acid -
http://valleyvintner.com/Merchant2/...OD&Product_Code=TE-10-3830&Category_Code=TKit

Looks a heck of a lot easier than the chromo test.

 

[ibglowin]

But if its as accurate as the Accuvin SO2 test kit.......

 

[s2000]

Well another stirring today with PH readings of 3.35-3.54 and gravity of .9998 on 3 and .1.0000 on 2. Temps were a bit on the chilly side at 58 but I can't do anything about it since no power here in our neck of the woods. And I can't keep running the wood stove in the basement 24x7. This is my parents house so no one to mind the stove.