Should I have MLFed my juice buckets?

[Juggernaut]

I have three Chilean juice buckets in their carboys now for 5 months. A Cabernet, a Carmenere, and a Malbec. I didn't know about MLF so I never added any bacteria. I'm not sure when I added Kmeta, but I think it was shortly after I was sure it was done fermenting. Should I be looking at any other adjustments?

 

[ShawnDTurner]

Nope..... Once you add k-meta, you cannot mlf. Cheers

 

[Juggernaut]

Thanks for the reply. Should I have a higher level of S02 to prevent mlf in the bottle? How long will I be able to age the wine having not gone through mlf?

 

[Pumpkinman]

Actually, it really depends on the SO2 levels, different MLB can tolerate various levels, my concern would be the 5 months since fermenting, but if Malic acid is present and the SO2 is within the tolerable range, I don't see why it wouldn't work.
I could be wrong.

 

[Juggernaut]

I tested the Free SO2 in one of the carboys. It is at 18 with a PH of 3.3. I don't know how to test of Malic acid. Do you think it would be worth trying to do a MLF?

 

[Juggernaut]

After reading this: http://www.letsdowine.com/mafe.html. I don't think I have the solids necessary for MLF. Should I bump up the SO2 levels now, or wait till I'm going to bottle?