what now

[kboom36]

Hi, im new to this and im just into my secondary fermentation in my carboy using a white wine kit. My instructions for the kit say I have to wait 12 days and have a specific gravity of 0.995 before I use the potassium metabisulphite. My question is do I have to wait the full 12 days even if my specific gravity is at the required reading on the fifth day.

 

[JasonH]

No, if your wine is already dry (< 1.000) and finished fermenting then you do not have to wait the specified time. Winemaking instructions are more guidelines than strict rules. I would suggest that you double check your hydrometer reading to make sure it is correct before moving on.

 

[kboom36]

I have two hydrometers and they both show the correct reading of 0.0995. Thanks for the reply.

 

[NSwiner]

You should check it more then one day to make sure it really is done . It won't hurt it if you leave it the 12 days before you do anything to it even if it is done sooner .

 

[kboom36]

I agree I would wait the extra time for it to possibly age some and clear a bit but im going to travel before the degassing step so thats why I want to step things up a bit.

 

[winemaker_3352]

Welcome aboard!!

At stated above - i would go off your hydrometer not days.

3 consecutive days of the same SG < 1.000 indicates the fermentation is done.