Temp and SG reading questions

[Coaster]

When it says to ferment at 65 to 75 deg F, is that room temp or must temp? I have a thermometer next to the must for the room temp and it's been running about 72 the whole time. I checked the thermometer in the must and its about 76 or so. I am concerned because the instructions say that the primary fermentation should take 8-10 days and should be racked at 1.020. I understand that SG is more critical than time at this stage (correct me if I am wrong please). Tonite, 4 days after starting, my reading is 1.019 so I am wondering did I have a great fermentation environment or did it ferment too hard too fast (I checked the SG twice)?


That brings me to reading the SG. I don't have a wine thief (yet) and I take a sample off my spigot. DoI need to mix the must before the reading or is that reading indicative of the must in general? Should I be mixing the must at all during primary fermentation (I did this batch - 36 hours after pitching - because I didn't mix well whenI first put the kit together)?
Thanks in advance 8O)

 

[Angell Wine]

the must temp is more critical than the room temp. the must will generate heat during fermation giving you the difference in the must and room temp. Don't worry, your must temp is still close anuff to cause no averse affects.
If the wine is still in the fermation bucket, I will drop the hydrometer in to the bucket,eliminating the wine thief & test jar all together.

 

[Wade E]

Did you adjust your SG reading according to which a hydrometer standard
temp. reading should be. A hydrometer is meant to be taken at a certain
temp. If colder or warmer you have to adjust your reading according to
the chart given with the hydrometer. Either way though it sounds like
you had a great fermentation. Just keep foolowing the instructions
though. You'll end up a little ahead of the game but will not harm
anything.

 

[Coaster]

No, I didn't adjust for temp

At 77 I should add a 2 it says so the reading would have been 1.021 but now I know

.