MLF or not to MLF?

[mcorey]

I processed old vine zin (Catarina brand) this season and it recently completed fermentation. The ph is 3.6. I'd like to run it through MLF (vp-41) but here are my questions:

1) should I add tartaric to get the ph to 3.4 or so prior to inoculating MLF considering that ph will have risen once MLF is complete?

2) is it worth inoculating at all. The 3.6 ph is a good reading and it tastes pretty good too. I just don't want it to go through MLF at a later date (possibly in the bottle)


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[ibglowin]

That's why you should do it now. I wouldn't worry about pH at this point. Go ahead and pitch the MLB and see where your pH and TA end up. Might be OK might need a touch of Tartaric to help with long term stability.

 

[mcorey]

Thanks for the thoughts. I think I will inoculate


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