Need acid adjustment help!!

[oldschool]

I have zero experience with acid measuring/adjustment. Here’s the situation: First time with a Homewinery concentrate “kit” – concentrate (1 Merlot, 1 Blackberry), yeast and acid for each. Acid packs are labeled “Merlot acid” and “Blackberry acid”, have no idea what’s actually in them. Instructions say add entire acid pack after ferment is complete. I’ve lurked on here enough to know I should adjust acid before fermentation. Bought PH test strips from LHBS Sat morning, they didn’t have an acid test kit. Didn’t buy acid blend, assuming the kit had all I needed. Did the usual pre-ferment prep – juice, water, sugar, Campden tabs, pectic enzyme, yeast energizer and nutrient. First PH test was off the scale that came with the strips. 5 different shades of green measuring 3.0 to 4.5. Test color was purple. Added entire acid pack. Test was a lighter shade but still off the chart. Checked with pool test strips, PH is 6.0. 24 hrs later, the same. Did all this after the LBHS was closed so couldn’t get any more acid blend. Pitched the yeast last evening since it had been 24 hrs since I prepped. Need suggestions on how to proceed to get the acid correct …

 

[salcoco]

I think the instructions should have been followed. acid can be added after fermentation. Completer the fermentation, purchase a ph meter and a titration kit and read up on the instructions for measuring acid. plenty of data on the internet.

 

[djrockinsteve]

Those test strips or not entirely correct and good for wine making. As mentioned above purchase a nice pH meter for around $100. It can be a huge asset to your winemaking.

You can use your pH meter to measure acidity too. That means you wouldn't need a titration kit.

 

[bchilders]

IMHO, you should always follow kit instructions to the letter, especially if it is your first one or even your 5th one. Kits are tried and tested to work every time by the MFG, not that everyone will. I think you should compete the kit as instructed and see how it tastes and don't worry too much about PH, but you will have to buy a titration kit to test for acid levels if you want to know for sure what they are. I tried using PH test strips for a while and they are just not accurate enough so yes, I also agree a PH meter is the way to go.

While PH will give you a guide to the acid levels you can't tell what you total acidity is by the PH. PH is a different measurement than TA. PH is determined by the kinds and strengths of acids present while TA is the amount of all the acids combined. Knowing the PH is important if you intend to age your wine while TA is important in how the wine tastes.

Here is a nice article about home wine labs by WineMaker Mag, https://winemakermag.com/784-your-home-wine-lab

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out.