Filter ?

[SHAWNLX86]

I just bought a buon vino mini filter, directions suggest adding 1/2 tsp metabisulfite before filtering so wine doesn't oxidize and then waiting a few days before bottling. My ? Is do I add the usual 1/4tsp metabisulfite before bottling? I know the ideal thing would be to check sulfite levels but I don't have much time to order one as I am bottling a Xmas gift and have to get it done this weekend. Thx in advance!!

 

[JohnT]

I have a bon vino super-jet filter. What I do is make a bucket of k-meta solution, then dunk each filter pad in that. This is more to sterilize the pads then to prevent oxidation.

I have been filtering for years. I suggest that you think of it as "just another racking" and make your treatments accordingly.

 

[Runningwolf]

I have never read this in any directions before. If you think your wine is under or close to recommended amount of SO2, but not over I am in total agreement of this. You will probably lose about 25% of the SO2 from filtering and some more when bottling. With this said, 1/2 tsp sounds like a lot to me for 5-6 gallons. I would use 1/4 tsp if you have no way of testing.

 

[Runningwolf]

I have a bon vino super-jet filter. What I do is make a bucket of k-meta solution, then dunk each filter pad in that. This is more to sterilize the pads then to prevent oxidation.

I have been filtering for years. I suggest that you think of it as "just another racking" and make your treatments accordingly.

Ok John for the first time I question "just another racking" and I think youll agree. Just another racking is a gentle siphon job. When filtering you are beating up the wine going through a pump and pads which in turn will burn up some of the free SO2. What do you think?

 

[SHAWNLX86]

Runningwolf- would u add the1/4 tsp at bottling Agee days later as well as before filtering?

 

[vernsgal]

just to add my 2 cents- I have the mini as well and I do as John says and soak my filters in a k-meta solution(you supposed to soak them anyway) and then just add my usual k-meta amt. at bottling time.

 

[cpfan]

Just had a look at the Mini Jet instructions (http://buonvino.com/MiniJet_Inst_en.pdf) for the first time in a few years. Couldn't see any mention of adding K-meta to the wine at all. So I guess I'm wondering where your instructions came from.

Otherwise agree with what has been said.

 

[Runningwolf]

Shawn I like what Kim is doing.

 

[SHAWNLX86]

Cpfan-there is a wine filtering article from winemaker mag posted on buon vino website that states to use the metabisulfite before bottling. It sounded like a lot to add to me, I think I'll soak pads in sulfite solution as well and leave it at that, thx for the advice everybody.

 

[Boyd]

I soak and agitate the filters along with the dividers for my Mini Jet in boiling water for five minutes before using.

No need to soak in K-meta.

 

[JohnT]

Ok John for the first time I question "just another racking" and I think youll agree. Just another racking is a gentle siphon job. When filtering you are beating up the wine going through a pump and pads which in turn will burn up some of the free SO2. What do you think?

RW....

OOOPS! My bad. I forgot that most folks syphon. I use a pump to rack, so filtering is (to me at least) the same as racking.

I have to agree with you in this case. Filtering will take a much bigger toll on SO2 than racking.

 

[petey]

Just acquired a nice pump..my question is, when filtering through an all house filter,should my pump be placed before the filter or after. Or does it really not matter at all?

 

[Boyd]

Pumps

That would depend if you have a vacuum or pressure pump.

A vacuum pump would need to be used on the outlet side of your filter. Pressure pump on the inlet side.

Enjoy your new toy.