Wine not clearing

[edsey]

I added Chitosan and kieselsol to my kit in August and then had to evacuate due to the forest fires. When I returned 5 weeks later the wine was clear and I racked the wine. After sitting for a few days the wine was still cloudy., I think it was because the wine sat too long with the K and C in it. I racked it again a week later at it had not and still has not cleared up. Can I try K and C again or maybe try Benntonite ?

 

[edsey]

The kit above was a Chardonnay

 

[salcoco]

it would not be destructive to try again

 

[winemaker81]

Let's make sure we understand the situation -- you added K&C, the wine sat for 5 weeks, you racked it and it was clear. A few days later it clouded up?

I agree with @salcoco that you can hit it with K&C again, but let's make sure there's not something else involved.

I assume the wine fermented out, e.g., SG is 0.998 or less?

 

[edsey]

Let's make sure we understand the situation -- you added K&C, the wine sat for 5 weeks, you racked it and it was clear. A few days later it clouded up?

I agree with @salcoco that you can hit it with K&C again, but let's make sure there's not something else involved.

I assume the wine fermented out, e.g., SG is 0.998 or less?

 

[edsey]

Thank you, very good point. It was a bit hectic when I evacuated. I checked the log and the sp was .998 when I added the K and C. The sp is now at .996. I think I will give it another month or so and then try the K and C again . Thanks for your help.

 

[heatherd]

I'd also try degassing before adding more K and C.

 

[edsey]

I'd also try degassing before adding more K and C.

Will do, thanks

 

[Paulietivo]

Add a second dose K & wait 48 hrs. If it's clear, skip the C.
I've had this issue and the C caused the clouding. I know it sounds illogical but it happened to me twice in separate batches of white wine.
Salute!

 

[winemaker81]

I think I will give it another month or so and then try the K and C again

This is a good plan. @heatherd's thought to degas is also good. Stirring for 30 seconds, switching direction and doing it again may help, and it won't hurt.

 

[JohnT]

Have you considered cold stabilization? Chill the wine down to 35 degrees for 3 or 4 days, then rack it?
The only cost here is the fridge space.

 

[edsey]

Update, thanks for the advice. My wine is now beautifully clear. I gave it a second dose of Kieselsol and then time. I never thought of a 2nd dose of Kieselsol but that and time did the trick. I did not add a second dose of chitosan.