Mlf-too long?!!

[ERASMO]

I am making the sangiacomo chard frozen bucket and accidently waited 8 weeks instead of the instructions 6 weeks to end the mlf. Do you think this is going to be a problem?

 

[Tom]

No problem. But, I would not end MLF. Who told you to end it and how. More info..
What kind of culture did you use.
What have you done from the beginning.

 

[Racer]

I don't see anything wrong in having let it go a little longer. As long as it was under an airlock the wine should be fine.

 

[Wade E]

If you wanted to end it Lysozyme is the way to go but Id let it finish myself, cooler temps will make MLF go longer. Ive had one go about 3 months though so I woldnt worry, just make sure that when its done you sulfite it.

 

[ERASMO]

Thanks for the replies.

The directions say to add the MLF bacteria and let it go for six weeks stirring every couple days. After that add k meta and pot. sorbate. Than clarify.

 

[Tom]

Thanks for the replies.

The directions say to add the MLF bacteria and let it go for six weeks stirring every couple days. After that add k meta and pot. sorbate. Than clarify.

NEVER ! add Sorbate to a wine that went thru MLF!
Where you get those directions? No reason to stir.

 

[rawlus]

calendar-based time estimates in winemaking, while they may make the process more accessible to noobies, are grossly inaccurate. MLF can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. and i would never followup MLF with sorbate. ever.

 

[ERASMO]

https://secure.midwestsupplies.com/index.php/aitdownloadablefiles/download/aitfile/aitfile_id/1744/

Please take a look at the directions from midwest.

Thanks

Any suggestions??

 

[Tom]

1st the directions say to stir every 2 weeks not couple of days as you said.
Directions are a guide. In wine some ferment fast some slow for the same wine. So these are guidelines. I usually let my MLF wine sit a min of 2 months as it is very hard so say when it stops.
Juice wines take much longer than kits. So, I would bulk age it 6+ months.
I am surprised they say to add sorbate.
1st its not needed if you plan on bulk aging.
2nd if you add it will impart a geranium taste to your wine.
3rd let it age
You will be surprised how your bulk wine will taste as it ages.
Trust us.. We been there...

 

[ERASMO]

Tom

Thanks for the info.

I was going to bulk age.

I only stirred twice a week.

I appreciate the help.

Would you recommend the k-meta and no sorbate?

Have a great weekend!

 

[Tom]

Yes
K-meta (1/4tsp) after MLF is finished none before and every 3 months

 

[ERASMO]

How do you tell when MLF is done?

 

[Tom]

Ahh great question. Unless you have a way of testing ($$) you cant. You cant do a visual or by gravity. Hence let it sit.

 

[rawlus]

time usually solves the problem.. but for the curious with some extra $ to spend, the accuvin malic acid test kit is decent for monitoring the progress of MLF and determining the completion of MLF.
http://www.accuvin.com/Products L-Malic Acid.html

 

[ERASMO]

thanks for all the info.