Cellar Craft A Little Worried

[DallasRedhead]

Stopped by the shop last week and picked up one of the Washington Gewurztraminer Ice Wine style kits. Started it on Sunday evening and what is concerning me is that I've yet to see any sign of active fermentation. Followed all of the instructions to the letter so I'm not sure what I may have done incorrectly. The starting SG was 1.190 which seemed high to me but after looking at the instructions I thought maybe not. Temp in the room where I have the fermenter is 75.2. Thoughts? Suggestions?

 

[Wade E]

That starting sg is too high! Is that in range for the kits specs? Ive done a lot of dessert wines and have never seen it that high! What kit is this? If there is no range for starting sg on this which there usually is then call George on it if thats where you got it from.

 

[v1rotate]

I just checked my hydrometer and the scale readings run from 0.982 to 1.168. It is pretty easy to misread the instrument, if it is similar to mine. Mine has the following numbers printed on the SG scale:

.990
1.000
10 which is 1.010
20 which is 1.020
30
etc
80
90
1.100
10 which is 1.110
etc
60 which is 1.160

So any reading between the 1.000 and 1.100 markings starts with 1.0
Typical starting SG's are around 1.080
So take another look and see what your starting SG is. It is possible that the must wasn't stirred enough before pitching yeast.

Anyway, has the fermentation started now? Your room temp should be fine. Once fermentation takes off you might even want to reduce the room temp if possible to keep the must temp between 72 and 75.

Oh, and I agree with Wade to give George a call if there is still a problem.

 

[Randoneur]

I think you should see signs of fermentation for sure by now. Did you add anything to the pail besides water, concentrate, bentonite, and yeast?

 

[Dean]

Visual signs of fermentation are not always easily seen. Check the SG again to check for movement. That's always the best way when in doubt.

 

[Bert]

That starting SG does sound a bit high....But check your SG again to see if it is moving....Good Luck

 

[DallasRedhead]

Sorry for the delay in replying. Was a really bad day at work today. I did see some bubbling this morning when I checked the airlock. Will check the SG tomorrow when I'm not so dead tired. Thanks to all of you for your feedback.

 

[DallasRedhead]

Okay, I was able to check tonight and realized that I apparently can't read my own hand writing. The actual starting SG was 1.170 which I still think is a tad high but...SD is now at 1.150 and it's bubbling away quite nicely. Will be paying George a visit this weekend to spend my tax refund so I may mention it to him then. Thanks all! You guys are really great.

 

[v1rotate]

No offense, but I still don't think you are reading your hydrometer correctly, Michelle. An SG of 1.160 is barely on the high end of the scale of my 2 hydrometers. A more likely reading at this point would be 1.060. At any rate, glad to hear the batch is progressing now!

BTW, a starting SG of 1.170 would yield some 23% ABV wine or even higher. Yahoooo!

 

[Dean]

an ice wine style kit will typically start at 1.120. Is it possible that's the SG you recorded? I think Jim is right, you are more likely at 1.050.

 

[DallasRedhead]

None taken at all! Entirely possible that I'm reading it wrong. The instructions say to rack to the secondary when the SG is down to 1.090 so I'm going to need to get some tutorial on it soon. LOL!

 

[v1rotate]

Maybe take the hydrometer with you when you go back to George's!

 

[DallasRedhead]

Took another reading today and it's down to 1.110 so things are seemingly moving right along.

Also, here's (I hope) a pic of my hydrometer with notations on the readings thus far...

 

[vcasey]

It sounds like either the must was not mixed well (happens sometimes) or maybe the hydrometer is off, or both. Try putting the hydrometer in water and you should get a reading close to 1.
Since you live next to the source you can always take the hydrometer in and let George and crew check it out and verify everything is ok.
Honestly it is hard to mess up a kit wine so take a deep breath and start considering your next kit or 2.

 

[Runningwolf]

Although it was not a kit, my ice wine finished at 1.07 this year.

 

[DallasRedhead]

Dan, thanks for sharing that. It's always good to hear someone else's experiences. I really can't wait to see how this one turns out. Already have some (I think) killer labels designed.

 

[Randoneur]

Dan, thanks for sharing that. It's always good to hear someone else's experiences. I really can't wait to see how this one turns out. Already have some (I think) killer labels designed.

We love pics of labels here too!!!

 

[DallasRedhead]

Dan, thanks for sharing that. It's always good to hear someone else's experiences. I really can't wait to see how this one turns out. Already have some (I think) killer labels designed.

We love pics of labels here too!!!

I will be sure to share. LOL!

 

[DallasRedhead]

An update...

Racked this to secondary today. SG is 1.075ish. It smells and tastes harsh at the moment (as is to be expected) but I see great potential here. VERY happy with this one so far.

 

[Waldo]

You will only get happier with it Michelle.The better it gets, the more of it you drink and the happier you get !!!!