I am a beginner at wine making and have encountered the following problem. I am making a plum wine using the recipe from Fine Wines. I am having trouble keeping primary fermentation going. I have followed directions completely. Fermentation starts than stops. The must still smells good. Any help will be appreciated.
Fruit Wine
- Thread starter EClayR
- Start date
Help Support Winemaking Talk - Winemaking Forum:
Welcome to the forum EClayR...
Could you please explain more on what you mean by fermentation starting and stopping. Visual indications of a fermentation are not always accurate of what is happening. Testing the specific gravity is the only true way to know if the fermentationhas truly stopped. What stage of the process are you at currently?
Once a fermentation starts it is fairly difficult to stop it other than substantiallydropping the temperatureor the yeast reaching it's alcohol tolerance.
Could you please explain more on what you mean by fermentation starting and stopping. Visual indications of a fermentation are not always accurate of what is happening. Testing the specific gravity is the only true way to know if the fermentationhas truly stopped. What stage of the process are you at currently?
Once a fermentation starts it is fairly difficult to stop it other than substantiallydropping the temperatureor the yeast reaching it's alcohol tolerance.
I am in the fifth day of fermentation. The airlock seldom bubbles and I am with the notion that gas should steadily discharge thru the airlock. The SG reads 1.090 and has for the past four days. Directions say to transfer to the carboy when SG reaches 1.040, 3-5 days. According to SG numbers fermentation has not completed its cycle.
Did not check the acid or ph. I used well water from a 320 ft well. Purity reports in the past show good water. The starting SG was approximately the same as it is reading now. I used Lavin wine yeast that came with the kit. If it did not start is it to late to start the process.
EClayR
If your must still smell good and looks good I would try a few things to attempt to salvage it. I'd add some yeast nutrient and give it a good stir. Then make a starter and after about 15 minutes go ahead and add it.
If that doesn't work order a kit from George and be drinking your homeade wine within 28 days.
Cheers
earl
If your must still smell good and looks good I would try a few things to attempt to salvage it. I'd add some yeast nutrient and give it a good stir. Then make a starter and after about 15 minutes go ahead and add it.
If that doesn't work order a kit from George and be drinking your homeade wine within 28 days.
Cheers
earl
