Sanitizing Agents
I have listed a few sanitizing agents so that you may choose which one works best for you.
B-Brite
This compound is used to sanitize winemaking equipment. It cleans with active oxygen, and does not contain chlorine or bisulfite. Effectively removes fermentation residues.Use: Dissolve one tablespoon of B-Brite powder in one gallon of water to create a sanitizing solution. Sanitize winemaking equipment for at least one minute, then rinse with clear tap water. Discard solution after use.
B-T-F
This concentrated iodine-based solution sanitizes winemaking equipment.Use: Dilute with cool or lukewarm water to obtain desired iodine concentration. Adding 0.3 oz in 3 gallons of water creates 12.5 ppm, while adding 0.6 oz in 3 gallons of water makes a solution of 25 ppm. Immerse items for 1 to 2 minutes; allow sanitized items to drain well or air dry. CAUTION: Never add to hot water; might stain clothes. Winemaking equipment must be cleansed separately beforehand, since B-T-F is not rated as a cleanser.
Campden
Campden, available in tablet form, is used to kill all the naturally occurring wild yeasts and undesirable bacteria in must, and thus prepare it for a “clean” fermentation. It contains potassium metabisulfite, which is a fancy term for sulfites.Use: Use one Campden tablet per gallon of must. Crush tablets well, then mix in with the must. Be sure to add it to must 24 hours before pitching your wine yeast; if you are impatient and pitch the yeast too soon, the campden will kill it too! Campden can also be used to make a sanitizing solution for winemaking equipment; see Grapestompers for details. Each tablet contains 0.50 – 0.55 grams of potassium metabisulfite; chemically speaking, each tablet contains 57% sulphur content; therefore, 1 tablet per gallon = 75 ppm SO2.
Easy Clean
Easy Clean no rinse cleaner/sanitizer. Five pound bucket with handle. Similar to One-Step but 4% stronger. Oxygen based sanitizer/cleanser. Dissolve one tablespoon powder to one gallon warm water. Wash surfaces with solution. Rinsing is not required but is recommended
One Step
Contains no chlorine, which can leave a film on glassware and corrode stainless steel. One Step is an excellent oxygen based sanitizer. Sanitizes with two minutes of contact time, no rinsing required! Environmentally friendly. Use 1 tablespoon per gallon of water.
I have also used Oxi-Clean to sanitize my equipment. Works on the same principle as the oxygen based sanitizers and is more readily available. I use the multi-purpose stain remover variety.
Fining Agents
Bentonite
This is powdered clay that is used as a fining agent to clarify wine. Caution: If too much is used, your wine will have an earthy flavor.Use: Bentonite should be made up 24 hours before adding to wine. For a standard six gallon kit, add no more than 2 tablespoons of bentonite to 1/2 cup warm water; mix or shake well. The manufacturer recommends mixing 2 1/2 teaspoons into 2 1/2 cups boiling water. Mix really well, allow to cool, and add to wine.
Bocksin
This solution of silicium dioxide removes H2S (hydrogen sulfide) odors and related off-flavors in wine. An indication of H2S is the smell of rotten eggs.Use: Add 15 ml (0.5 oz) per 10 liters of wine. Stir thoroughly and wait 24 hours. Rack without disturbing the sediment. It is recommended to filter the wine after treatment. If the wine becomes cloudy, treat with finings.
Calcium Carbonate
This chemical is basic; in other words, it lowers the acidity of your wine to within your targeted range. Calcium carbonate is often used in place of adding water to achieve a more basic wine, since adding water will dilute your wine.Use: 1/2 oz reduces acidity by 1 ppt in 6 US gallons of wine. Be sure to perform an acid test so you don’t overshoot your desired mark.
Wine Kit Enhancer
Add this stable California grape juice to enhance the taste, aroma, and bouquet of your wine kit.Use: Add to your wine kit at any point during the winemaking process: – Prior to fermentation (just before pitching yeast) for flavor, aroma, and alcohol boost – During fermentation for topping off – After fermentation (just prior to bottling), for fruit flavors, aromatics, and as a sweetener.
Lysozyme
This solution is used in wine to hinder or prevent a malolactic fermentation. It controls lactic acid bacteria and is made from an enzyme which naturally occurs in egg whites. A web page from Scott Lab explains what lysozyme is, how it works, and recommended dosage.Use: Add 1 oz per 5 gallons of wine, which provides about 250 ppm.
Potassium Metabisulfite
Potassium metabisulfite is added to wine to inhibit bacteria and yeast growth, as well as slow down oxidation. It may leave an unpleasant aftertaste in wine if the dose is too high. This chemical is also used in a water solution as an antiseptic rinse to sanitize equipment. It is identical to, but better than, Sodium Metabisulfite, because it does not add sodium to one’s diet. CAUTION: Some people, particularly asthmatics, can have a severe allergic reaction to this substance.Use: For wine: 1/8 teaspoon (1 gram) of powder per gallon of wine provides 150 ppm free SO2. A little bit goes a long way, so be careful! Always test the free S02 content of your wine (using Titrets and Titret holder) to determine the proper amount to add. Generally speaking, the target free SO2 for red wines is 20-30 ppm and 25-40 ppm for white wines. The exact target depends upon the pH of the wine.For sanitizing solution: Dissolve 1 to 2 oz. (2 to 4 tablespoons) Potassium Metabisulfite powder in one gallon of water.
Potassium Sorbate
Potassium sorbate is used to slow down yeast growth and inhibit fermentation, thus “stabilizing” your wine prior to bottling.Use: Add 1/4 teaspoon per gallon of wine. grapestompers recommends using one crushed Campden tablet per gallon of wine in concert with potassium sorbate, because sorbate tends to work better in the presence of sulfites. Be sure to stir well, and let the dead yeast cells settle before final racking prior to bottling.
Sodium Benzoate
This is another chemical used to stabilize wines (slow down yeast growth and inhibit fermentation); generally preferred by makers of fruit (non-grape) wines. Use: Add one crushed tablet per gallon of wine and stir well; works best in the presence of sulfites, so you should also add one crushed Campden tablet for every sodium benzoate tablet. Allow yeast to settle as lees before finalracking and bottling.
Sparkalloid
Sparkalloid is used as a fining agent.Use: 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of wine. Mix required amount of powder with a small amount of cold water. Mix well until solution is smooth and creamy. Add mixture to finished wine and stir. Let wine settle for a week or more, then rack.
Wine Conditioner
An additive used to take the “bite” out of young-tasting wine and add a sweeter taste. Added to finished wine just prior to bottling according to taste. A little bit goes a long way! Use: Add 1/2 to 1 oz. to stabilized wine, stirring thoroughly and sampling after each addition, until the desired taste is achieved.
Yeast Energizer
A super nutrient with many vitamins and trace elements. Used to make wine with a high alcohol content or for fruit lacking in nutrients. Encourages wine to referment when it has stopped too soon. Use: 1 crushed tablet per gallon of wine or must.
Additives When Making Wine
Who says you can’t teach a dog new tricks. I was researching some ideas on the web and found out about a couple of different additives that can be used in wine. I honestly never knew about using asorbic acid or lysozyme. I’ll have to try the asorbic acid next time I bottle wine. Note: Most of this information came from the Grapestompers website.
Acid Blend
This compound is used to raise the acidity of wine, thus increasing tartness. It is comprised of equal amounts of malic, tartaric, and citric acids.Use: Acid blend is most widely used by winemakers who start their wine recipes from scratch; you will not need this chemical if you are making wine from one of our wine concentrate kits. Its usage varies depending on the acidity of the wine or must. An acid test kit should be used to determine the acidity and usage.
Ascorbic Acid
This reduces oxidation in bottled wine when added just prior to bottling (not effective for bulk storage).Use: 1 teaspoon per 6 US gallons of wine.
Campden
Campden Tablets are available in tablet form, is used to kill all the naturally occurring wild yeasts and undesirable bacteria in must, and thus prepare it for a “clean” fermentation. It contains potassium metabisulfite, which is a fancy term for sulfites.Use: Use one Campden tablet per gallon of must. Crush tablets well, then mix in with the must. Be sure to add it to must 24 hours before pitching your wine yeast; if you are impatient and pitch the yeast too soon, the campden will kill it too! Campden can also be used to make a sanitizing solution for winemaking equipment; see Grapestompers winemaking sanitation page for details. Each tablet contains 0.50 – 0.55 grams of potassium metabisulfite; chemically speaking, each tablet contains 57% sulphur content; therefore, 1 tablet per gallon = 75 ppm SO2. Helpful hint on using campden tablets at Winemakermag.Com.
Wine Kit Enhancer
Add this stable California grape juice to enhance the taste, aroma, and bouquet of your wine kit.Use: Add to your wine kit at any point during the winemaking process: – Prior to fermentation (just before pitching yeast) for flavor, aroma, and alcohol boost – During fermentation for topping off – After fermentation (just prior to bottling), for fruit flavors, aromatics, and as a sweetener.
Grape Tannin
Found in skins and stems of grapes, tannin adds astringency or zest to wine. Also aids in the clearing process. Tannin occurs naturally in red wines which are fermented in the skins, but must be added to white wines.Use: Usage varies according to the grape or fruit, but generally, you would add no more than 1/4 teaspoon per gallon to fruit wines. Not needed if making wine from a kit.
Lysozyme
This solution is used in wine to hinder or prevent a malolactic fermentation. It controls lactic acid bacteria and is made from an enzyme which naturally occurs in egg whites. A web page from Scott Lab explains what lysozyme is, how it works, and recommended dosage.Use: Add 1 oz per 5 gallons of wine, which provides about 250 ppm.
Pectic Enzyme
Pectic enzyme increases juice yields from fruits by breaking down cellular structure. Also acts as a clarifier, and is used to clear hazes caused by residual pectins.Use: Add 1/4 teaspoon per 6 US gallons of wine. If making wine from scratch, this is a good item to have in your arsenal.
Potassium Metabisulfite
Potassium metabisulfite is added to wine to inhibit bacteria and yeast growth, as well as slow down oxidation. It may leave an unpleasant aftertaste in wine if the dose is too high. This chemical is also used in a water solution as an antiseptic rinse to sanitize equipment. It is identical to, but better than, Sodium Metabisulfite, because it does not add sodium to one’s diet. CAUTION: Some people, particularly asthmatics, can have a severe allergic reaction to this substance.Use: For wine: 1/8 teaspoon (1 gram) of powder per gallon of wine provides 150 ppm free SO2. A little bit goes a long way, so be careful! Always test the free S02 content of your wine (using Titrets and Titret holder) to determine the proper amount to add. Generally speaking, the target free SO2 for red wines is 20-30 ppm and 25-40 ppm for white wines. The exact target depends upon the pH of the wine.For sanitizing solution: Dissolve 1 to 2 oz. (2 to 4 tablespoons) Potassium Metabisulfite powder in one gallon of water. Sulfite calculator at Winemakermag.com
Yeast Nutrient(Fermax)
Acts as a food for the yeast and promotes rapid starting and complete fermentation. Use: 1 teaspoon per gallon of wine, or if using tablets, 1 tablet per gallon of wine.
Reading a Hydrometer
Just yesterday, I had a friend ask how to use his hydrometer. So after explaining to him the process, he understood what was going on.
Being rather lazy today (hey it’s Saturday) I’ve decided to list a few articles that explain using the hydrometer. Some of the articles are rather in depth and a few just give you the simple basics. Check them out.
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Holiday Beers
Ho,Ho, Ho, and mistletoe, the holiday beer season is upon us. This is the time of the year that breweries send out their variety packs or their winter ales or lagers. Great time to be a beer drinker. You always seem to get the best around holiday time.
In my part of the world, distribution is very limited, but we are able to get 5 different variety packs 9 different winter brews. Michelob has 6 different beers packed in their variety pack and the most interesting is the Pumpkin Spice. I haven’t had this one, but I have tried a few pumpkin beers. They make a nice treat after gobbling down that turkey dinner.
The Holiday Porter found in Sam Adams is a new addition for this year and after reading about it on their web site, I can’t wait to try one. The Cranberry Lambic and the Old Fezziwig are always interesting and fun.
Molson got rid of their Golden and replaced it with their Triple X. That and the Export are worth buying this package.
Saranac packs 12 different beers in their holiday package. Usually it contains a few of their everyday beers along with a few of their specialty beers. The caramel Porter and the Oatmeal Stout are fun and I wonder what the new one Winter Wassail tastes like. The best part about this is package is that you get to try 12 different beer styles. Great way to learn about beer.
Yuengling , America’s Oldest Brewery, variety has the Traditional Lager, Lager Light, Black & Tan and the Lord Chesterfield in their package. Production problems last year prevented this package from hitting the market, so it is nice to see that it is now available.
Some of the more traditional holiday beers include: Sam Adams Winter Lager, Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale, Harpoon Winter Warmer, Sam Smith’s Winter Welcome and Brooklyn Chocolate Stout.
Victory’s Storm King is worth the money along with Weyerbacher’s Winter Ale. Weyerbacher’s niche is making “big beers” and the names they come up with are excellent. Blithering Idiot, what a great name for a beer.
Two that are more into the holiday spirit are Troeg’s Mad Elf (an elf on the bottle) and Penn Brewery’s Saint Nick Bock.
So, grab some friends and set up a tasting of the holiday beers.
Have a holly, jolly Christmas, it’s the best time to drink beer. Well that’s what the lyrics of the song should have been.
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Barley Wine
Well here it is November 16th and fall has officially set in at my neck of the woods. Temperatures in the high 30’s and the wind gusting to about 15 miles an hour. It’s these kind of days and nights that make you want to kick back and drink one of those “big beers.” You, know the kind that are over 9% alcohol, the barley wine category.
The last couple of years I have been brewing a barley wine. The twist that I do is that I use wine yeast instead of beer yeast and I also do not carbonate my barley wine. I’m trying to go for a smoother, mellower style than you usually find. Still working the kinks out. Here is my recipe from last year’s batch.
August 21, 2004
2 Gallon
3 Pounds Crushed Wheat, Buckwheat & Amarath
1 Welch’s White Grape/Peach Juice (100% Frozen Concentrate)
2 Teaspoons Yeast Nutrient
2 Campden Tablet
1 ½ Gallons Water
1 Pack Red Star Montrachet Yeast
2 Cups Light Brown Sugar
Original Gravity 1.090
Racked from Primary Fermenter 08/28/04
Added 2 pounds Dark Brown Sugar mixed with 1 gallon water.
Dry Hopped 1 ounce Fuggles Hops Pellets 4.4% Alpha along with 1 ounce
East Kent Goldings Hops Pellets 5.6% alpha
Racked September 9, 2004
Tasted this about 3 months ago, still a little sharp.
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Splenda or Sugar to Sweeten Your Wine
I just heard over the summer that you could sweeten your wine with Splenda. The advantage that I heard was that it would not ferment. This is great because you do not need to add potassium sorbate to your wine. I like to keep the chemicals to a very small amount in my wine. But how does it taste? Is sugar better? Well, I gave it a try with a couple of bottles of strawberry wine. Mixed about 1/4 cup of Splenda to 1 gallon of wine. I’m not sure if there are any problems with splenda in the long run. The 5 bottles of wine that I had only lasted a couple of months.
I did find some interesting articles on both and here are the links:
A post on Wine Making and Beer Making Bulletin Board
WineMaker Magazine Mr. Wizard Column
Posts on the Northern Brewer Homebrew Forum
E.C. Kraus Newsletter
Posts on Homemade Wine
E-mail me or leave a post and let me know your ideas on sweetening wines.
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