Bentonite and other fining agents

[Lauritsen]

Hello

I have some bentonite which I put in the must pre-fermentation, as I read it helps fermentation and helps taking away proteins. Post ferment it is still not clear (should it be?) but I have kieselsol and gelatine.

Now that I have already used bentonite, I am afraid to use too much fining or is that not an issue?

Shall I use same amount has the product label says or shall I use less now that I have used bentonite.... or shall I not use kieselsol at all as kieselsol and benotinite are negative?

I have racked off the sediment (yeast and benonite).



Thanks.

 

[rtrent2002]

What type of wine? did you use real fruit? and how long has it been since you racked? Bentonite certainly helps the wine clear after fermentation but it can take a few weeks or longer without additional fining agents like kieselsol. I use bentonite during fermentation and then bulk age most of my wines without the additional fining agents. But if you are in a hurry, go ahead and add the kieselsol per instructions. That will likely clear it up in 24-48 hours.

 

[Mismost]

Also look at Sparkloid as a fining agent. I had an extremely cloudy plum wine that would not clear....even after months and multiple rankings. One dose of Sparkloid and two days later, it was clear enough to read through.

 

[rtrent2002]

Sorry, to answer your question, you can use both products (bentonite before) and (kieselsol after) per instructions. No need to adjust the amounts.

 

[Lauritsen]

You guys mention using kieselsol after fermentation which is negative charged as bentonite.
Dont you mean kieselsol AND gelatine ??

 

[rtrent2002]

Add kieselsol and then stir well, then add gelatin (dissolved in water as per instructions) and stir well. Rack after 2 weeks.

 

[rtrent2002]

As a note, I don't think you HAVE to use both together but I think the results are better if you do.

 

[Lauritsen]

Ok Thanks
When there Are finings in Kits The amount og kieselsol is about 1/3 of The other component. Do you agree to that amount?

 

[Chef-Ryan]

My suggestion actually for all curious about different finning agents.. http://www.scottlab.com/pdf/ScottLabsHandbook2015.pdf they are a commercial supplier but there is similar if not the same products available for the home brew market and in general it is a great book for reference and if you are in the niagara region (ontario, canada) check out laffort (they sell most stuff in smaller bags through a place called vines to vintages which sells to home brewers and wineries both)

 

[rtrent2002]

View attachment ImageUploadedByHome Brew1456791628.611960.jpg

 

[pumpkinman2012]

Chef-Ryan,
Great post, I recommend Scott Labs Fermentation Handbook all of the time, it is an amazing "tool" that everyone should have, and use.