Primary Fermentation Too Hot???

[montanafos]

Have a first batch of Cab in the primary fermenter. Everything is in my office in my basement which tends to be at 65-67 degrees in the winter. Fermentation was off to a very slow start so I purchased a FermWrap and plugged it in yesterday (40 watt heater that wraps arounf half of the fermenter, covering about 2 sq feet). Well, fermentation is going full bore for teh second day and I thought I should check the temp to see the temp difference the heater made. I just pulled my thermometer out and read 90 degrees and panicked a bit. I unplugged the FermWrap and sat down to type this. I'm concerned that I will have off flavors, etc as a result of this. Looking for insight and suggestions. I will be purchasing the thermowell and controller tomorrow to avoid this situation in the future. This first batch is a Cellar Classic Winery Series Cabernet Sauvignon that cost me $145 for the kit and I really don't want to screw it up. Directions call for primary fermenter temp of 70-80 degrees. Thanks...

 

[Torch404]

You should be fine, have you tasted it? One day shouldn't hurt it though.

 

[montanafos]

Have not tasted it...just panicked! Appreciate the response...have been waiting for someone to tell me it was not a problem so I can go to bed.

Thanks again...

 

[JohnT]

I agree, you should be a-ok. This short "hot" fermentation should not be a problem. The only real down side (other then a potential mess from froth) is that some of the "fruit" flavors may be diminished. Not really a bad thing for a Cab.

Take steps to cool down (yourself as well as the wine) and all shoud be well.

 

[montanafos]

Appreciate the responses. Just checked my temp this morning and sitting at an even 80 degrees and fermentation is still going well. I am relieved...

 

[MonsterZin]

Take steps to cool down (yourself as well as the wine) and all shoud be well.

One trick I use is to freeze about a half dozen plastic orange juice bottles 3/4 full with water ahead of time. During the peak fermentation, drop one in a couple times a day.

 

[JohnT]

One trick I use is to freeze about a half dozen plastic orange juice bottles 3/4 full with water ahead of time. During the peak fermentation, drop one in a couple times a day.

I do this as well, but I use 2 liter soda bottles.

 

[montanafos]

You should be fine, have you tasted it? One day shouldn't hurt it though.

Just tasted it and could not have been more pleased. REALLY looking forward to bottling it and letting it sit for a year or two.