MLF test results

[geek]

Just did another test.
1-Merlot juice bucket: pitched White Labs WP675 on Sept. 13.
It's been progressing very slow, 2 1/2 months and looks like not done.

2-Merlot/Cabernet blend with fresh grapes: pitched Wyeast mlb on Oct. 31.
A month now and shows good progress.

What you think?
.

 

[GreginND]

No, not quite done. I would let it go longer. If it is in a cool location, maybe move it to a warmer spot to get it to finish up.

 

[geek]

Thanks Greg, I actually have the Merlot in literally in front of the pellet stove, room temp controlled by t-stat and 68~70.

The Merlot/Cab with grapes shows much better progress comparing that I started it way later just about a month ago, this carboy is sitting in the room with a blanket on it.

Comparing results with both carboys, when I started each (a 1 1/2 month apart and the 2 different mlbs, it looks like if the Wyeast is doing a better job in the fresh grapes mertlot/cab carboy. Don't you think?

.

 

[berrycrush]

Fresh grapes have ML organism in them and would do MLF by itself. For a MLB to take one month yet still not finish, sounds a bit slow. The good side of slow MLF is that the wine does not lose color.

 

[geek]

I wonder if I should pitch another MLB to the first batch and if that would not cause trouble?

 

[GreginND]

I don't think you need to add more MLB but it wouldn't hurt to add some nutrients and stir up any lees that have settled.

 

[geek]

I did add opti-malo when pitched the mlb on both.
I will check if I have any left but doubt it, will keep stirring daily......

The way they look I feel like the 2nd batch will finish first.

I will test again at the end of this month and see what happens.

 

[geek]

Here is a test from Sept 30 for the merlot juice bucket....like if it didn't change much

 

[geek]

In these one is from November 4.
Do you see any improvement?

 

[bakervinyard]

Geek I've used the White Labs MLF and more often then not its a problem. It's the only one my LHBS carries and I don't care to buy on-line. Bakervinyard

 

[ibglowin]

Check your temps with a thermometer and see where they are at. Make sure your at least 65-70. Stir it once a week.

 

[geek]

Temp has been steady in the ~66-70F

 

[ibglowin]

Did you verify that:

The pH and ABV were within range for this MLB before pitching it?

How much did you add to each?

Did you follow the hydration directions (if any)?

 

[berrycrush]

I wouldn't add anything, just let it sit for another two weeks. It is almost there. Slow MLF is actually better than vigorous one for wine quality.

 

[geek]

Did you verify that:

The pH and ABV were within range for this MLB before pitching it?

How much did you add to each?

Did you follow the hydration directions (if any)?

yes, I followed directions carefully and those are within range. It seems like if it has progressed based and comparing results, maybe I need to just let it sit longer as berrycrush suggested, the MLB may be slow.

I will raise the room temp a bit also.

 

[sdelli]

yes, I followed directions carefully and those are within range. It seems like if it has progressed based and comparing results, maybe I need to just let it sit longer as berrycrush suggested, the MLB may be slow. I will raise the room temp a bit also.

Many threads that White Labs has trouble... I tried it once... Not good results. Never used it again. I use Bachus or Vp41 now. Problem now is all the extra time you are waiting and trying to get it to work you are at risk with no so2.... Need to make mlf happen... Get in... Get out... Get some so2... My two sense is if you still want to make this happen then re pitch with a different strain and optimalo.... Or move on...

 

[Pumpkinman]

I couldn't agree more, re pitch with a different strain and optimalo.... Or move on...

 

[ldmack3]

How do you move on? Kill it with so2?

 

[sdelli]

How do you move on? Kill it with so2?

Yep! Rack it... And add the correct amount of Kmeta per Ph..

 

[geek]

I'm unsure to pitch a different strain, if I re-pitch I wonder if the same brand would be better or not?

The quickest one I can get would be Wyeast but will check around and see if small Lalvin Bacchus package is available somewhere.

Or just leave it alone for another month.....