WineXpert extra x-mata for bottling

[roblloyd]

I have a Port kit that I would like to bottle soon - I need the carboy!
The instructions say if you want to age longer than 6 months to add 1/4tsp k-meta to it. Is that necessary if I sanitize and not dry the bottles w/ k-meta?

Will there be enough residual in the wet bottles to make up adding it to the carboy or should I add it to the carboy and then bottle?
Don't want to over do it if that's possible?!

 

[Runningwolf]

Rob without testing you won't know for sure. My guess is if your going to age these for a year or two like Wade suggests I would add it. My concern is the 1/4 tsp as that is the normal dose for 5-6 gallons. I am assumuing you have a three gallon batch. How long has it been since you added any.
For what its worth, I just started testing mine for S02 and everyone of the wines fall a bit short.

 

[roblloyd]

I have 2 WE kits. One 3 gallon (the port) and 1 white. Both say to add the same amount. I wasn't sure if they just copied and pasted the same steps or if it does need more.

The instructions don't say to add any until this point so I haven't added any extra. just following the instructions.

How do you test SO2?

 

[Tom]

for 3 gal I would add 1/8tsp. Now if you already added it less 90 days ago its not necessary

 

[Wade E]

I would say That if you plan on really keeping these around for awhile like especially the Port I would add a little more. I know you are new to this and that usually results in the batch not lasting that long on the shelf. I would say that the white wine I wouldnt cause I highly doubt its going to see any extended aging time before it gets consumed and I also believe it was a cheaper kit which also limits the amount of time it will last anyways so I would just drink that up and start a higher end kit and let that age gracefully. With the Port Id probably give that another 1/8th tsp as they are pretty sweet and you wont be drinking a bottle of that every week most likely. The dosages of S02 we use are usually on the low side anyway so just go for it. The more fragile weaker white wines will not hide the axtar S02 like a Port can either. The Port is a higher abv kit so that will help it alone stand more shelving along with a much better tannin level due to it being a red wine and the fact that there was most likely oak used on top of that. Rob, as you drink those wines I gave you please post what you thought of them in the "Other Peoples Wines" thread whether you liked them or not, Please, please be honest! You are not going to hurt my feelings as I dont expect everyone to like every wine I make and seeing as how some of them were kits and even so I didnt even like 1 or 2 of them I surely wont be hurt. Let me know especially what you think of that infamous Orange Chocolate Port. I ask this mainly just so that other people chime in about these wines and other people get an idea of if they would like it or not.