MLF test

[rhoffart]

My first malolactic chromatography test ... this stuff is fun. All three are in in a healthy MLF.

 

[rhoffart]

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Ok, I kinda screwed up in
the very beginning and added too much Tartaric acid. I’m real glad I only added
half of what I calculated.</span>

</span>The PH tested at</span>

B1) 3.23</span>

B2) 3.27</span>

B3) 3.35 </span>

and the TA tested at </span>

B1) 7.97</span>

B2) 8.42</span>

B3) 7.82</span>

Here is my plan. They all 3
have very active MLF going so I’m going to let that complete. At this point I
will protect them with SO2. Then to drop the Tartaric I will Cold Stabilize
them for a period of time. Then I am going to cycle all three through the
barrel. If then if I still need to drop some acid I will add a touch of </span>Potassium Carbonate.</span>

Does this sound like a solid plan? Any
other recommendations?</span>

 

[rhoffart]

Ok test two shows B8 and B10 is almost done, it looks like B9 still has a some work to do.

 

[ibglowin]

Looking good. How long has that dried?

 

[rhoffart]

Looking good. How long has that dried?

8 hours ... fan assisted

 

[fivebk]

Could someone explain to us dummies how to read that test paper???

BOB

 

[rhoffart]

Could someone explain to us dummies how to read that test paper???

BOB

Easy, to the left there are three acid samples. These are your reference points.
To the right I have my three wine samples. Depending the acid in the wine it will create a dot at the same level for the corresponding acid.
All three of my wines are high in tartaric ... creating a bright dot at the same level as the tartaric sample.
In MLF you are converting Malic to Lactic. So in my example I want no dots in the middle and brighter dots at the top.
Hope that helps.

 

[ibglowin]

I will add that the conversion of Malic to Lactic is a semi-slow process that can takes a month or more depending on conditions (pH, temperature etc.) So its very normal to see the wine spots have a streaking smear in the Malic/Lactic area as it's in the middle of the conversion process.
When its completely finished you will not have the long smear but mainly just a dot (or short smear) in the Lactic region.

 

[ibglowin]

Was wondering how you got it so fully developed so fast!

8 hours ... fan assisted

 

[rhoffart]

So its very normal to see the wine spots have a streaking smear in the Malic/Lactic area as it's in the middle of the conversion process.

Have you seen a test with one that is complete? I can't find an example

 

[ibglowin]

I just did a quick google search and found this one. I think this is about as "good as it gets".

 

[rhoffart]

thanks ... I didn't see that one when I did an image search.
I'm thinking two more weeks and I'll be ready for the next step.

 

[ibglowin]

LMAO.....
That search will turn up some mighty interesting images with nothing to do about wine making..........

 

[rhoffart]

LMAO.....
That search will turn up some mighty interesting images with nothing to do about wine making..........

Yup,

 

[Wade E]

Well your not supposed to put an I in between the M and the L !!!!!!!!!!!</font></font>

 

[ibglowin]

Thats just it, you don't have to!
No one can spell any more............

 

[rhoffart]

The brew belts seem to be working well. B8 and B10 had the belts on them. I'm calling B10 done. Moved that belt to B9.
I will be adding sulfites, racking and dropping B10 in the freezer for some CS.

 

[ibglowin]

Looking good. I have a couple that still have active visual signs (bubbles), especially yesterday when the winery got up to ~70. I will probably do another test in a week or so.

 

[rhoffart]

All three in one post.

 

[rhoffart]

Just a note: The PH went up from 3.22 to 3.29 after MLF