WineXpert Chemical question

[radguy]

I have a Winexpert Vintners Reserve Chardonnay Wine Kit that I have embarrassingly forgotten about. I started the Kit back in July last year and I racked it to the secondary and it’s been sitting there ever sense. I never went beyond step two. So I didn’t add the K-meta, sorbates or clearing agents. I opened it up and tasted it and it tastes fine. Since it was already clear I racked it to a 5 gallon carboy and bottled two bottles without getting two much of the yeast sediment stirred up.
So my question is do I still need to add the k-meta and sorbate before I bottle the rest? I’m a little worried that the sulfite levels are pretty low. I’m kinda still new to this any other advice?

 

[GreginND]

I would definitely add the potassium metabisulfite. Don't bother with the sorbate unless you are planning to back sweeten it. If it is dry, it should be just fine without it.

 

[richmke]

Sorbate keeps the yeast from multiplying. If you do not back sweeten, then there is nothing for the yeast to help it grow. Thus no need for Sorbate.

The k-meta is an anti-oxidation agent. It takes up any free oxygen. So, you need that for storage. Taking up the free oxygen also chokes off growth of any microorganism that needs oxygen.

 

[radguy]

Yeah no plan to backsweeten. Thanks for the help

 

[kmarvel]

I have a Winexpert Vintners Reserve Chardonnay Wine Kit that I have embarrassingly forgotten about. I started the Kit back in July last year and I racked it to the secondary and it’s been sitting there ever sense. I never went beyond step two. So I didn’t add the K-meta, sorbates or clearing agents. I opened it up and tasted it and it tastes fine. Since it was already clear I racked it to a 5 gallon carboy and bottled two bottles without getting two much of the yeast sediment stirred up.
So my question is do I still need to add the k-meta and sorbate before I bottle the rest? I’m a little worried that the sulfite levels are pretty low. I’m kinda still new to this any other advice?

Wine can be very forgiving....even if you forget about it.

Definitely add the sulfate to it before bottling.

Kathie

 

[GreginND]

Definitely add the sulfate to it before bottling.

Kathie

Sorry. The chemist in me can't let this go. It's metabisulfite (or sulfites, if you will), not sulfate. Sulfates are very different beasts altogether.

 

[kmarvel]

Sorry. The chemist in me can't let this go. It's metabisulfite (or sulfites, if you will), not sulfate. Sulfates are very different beasts altogether.

lol Greg......for you the chemist....I stand corrected. metabisulfite.



Kathie