Peach wine clearing slowly

[terroirdejeroir]

I started a three gallon batch in mid-December that is developing nicely, but is being a bit stubborn in clearing. I vacuum degassed and added Super-Kleer thirty days ago and it started to clear within a day or two, but is in a holding pattern where the top two thirds of the carboy are beautifully clear and there is a bit of a haze in the bottom third. The haze level is slowly dropping in the carboy, but only a couple of inches in the last few weeks.

I originally targeted today to rack and stabilize the wine, but I am wondering if I should wait until the clearing process is complete. Is there anything I should do besides be patient?

 

[Boyd]

As you have already used super-clear you will have to wait as it will probably drop clear in a while. Patientance is a virtue I am told.

It should set for at least 6 months anyway and a year is better. The flavor really improves with age. I gave about 20 bottles to a lady I know. She loves it.

I used Bentenite followed by sparkolloid on the first batch I made and it cleared in about 2 weeks. On the last batch I added bentinite at the begining and it clear without further effort.

Base material was 5 large cans of peaches from Sams Club. Doles I think it was. On the last batch I used 7 cans. About $5.00 a can.

I also have a 15 gallon jug of elderberry on the floor and one 15 gallon of blue berry setting on the floor.

Left to right: Peach, Skeeter Pee with grape and elderberry, Grape. and 2 of elderberry.

 

[saramc]

What is the temperature? Many times a 10F temp drop will expedite clearing. Did you add pectic enzyme when you made this?
Also agree with the advice on not rushing to stabilize.

 

[terroirdejeroir]

The temperature of the wine is 70 degrees. Yes, I did add pectic enzyme prior to fermentation. I am in no hurry to push this batch along, but it is my first attempt at using Super Kleer on a fruit wine so I don't know what to expect.

Since the top two thirds of the carboy cleared within 24 hours, I was expecting it to clear completely by now. What is the longest period of time I can safely leave it on the fine lees?

 

[jswordy]

Gee, I wish I had a dollah for every time I have seen the subject line "Peach wine clearing slowly." It's the nature of the beast.

Boyd, I'm guessing that Corona was for immediate consumption?

 

[Sammyk]

My peach wine was ready for bottling, it was very tasty - like a glass of peach juice with alcohol at the end. But it would not clear. I tried cold crashing sparkelloid and cold crashing again and it was still cloudy.
On advice from here I used bentonite and it cleared right up. Even though it is young (started July 1st, 2012) the flavor is there so we are now drinking it! We could not imagine it getting any better!

Before and after photos of our peach wine. We used 50 pounds of peaches (after skinning and pitting) and wound up with 5 gallons of finished wine.

I have no idea why it is so dark. I started more from canned peaches a few weeks ago and it is much lighter in color. The fresh peaches were Red Haven and at the peak of ripeness. I will make double this coming year because it is our very favorite!

 

[jswordy]

^^^ God, I am thirsty now. ^^^

 

[Sammyk]

We are down to the last 15 bottles!

I would love to keep a couple until the one year mark but I just don't see how that will happen.

 

[jswordy]

I would love to keep a couple until the one year mark but I just don't see how that will happen.

I read you loud and clear, my friend!

 

[Midwest Vintner]

Peach clears faster if you use a little more pectic enzyme

 

[Boatboy24]

Looks good Sammy - nice and dark. I'm sweetening mine and bottling as soon as I have more clear bottles. Couple weeks, hopefully. Looks like we started ours about a week apart.

 

[terroirdejeroir]

What is the temperature? Many times a 10F temp drop will expedite clearing. Did you add pectic enzyme when you made this?
Also agree with the advice on not rushing to stabilize.

Thanks for the advice. I just waited a couple of weeks and nothing changed, so I set it out in the garage for a few days and all is clear now.