sleepyslug
New Member
Hi all, thanks for considering my questions. I'd be happy to be directed to FAQs etc.
I am at the degassing step of my first-ever batch. I am making a Cabernet Sauvignon from a Master Vintner kit. Things seem mostly ok, but I want to learn from the process and there are a few things that I wonder about.
First ... Will an airlock, properly used, keep fumes/odors from the surrounding area out of my wine, or can fumes/odors get into the wine through the airlock?
Second ... what temperature should I aim for during degassing and stabilization/clarification? The kit specified a target of 72-76F during primary and secondary, but doesn't specify a temperature for the later stages. Does it help to maintain a fairly constant temperature at this point, or not matter that much?
Third ... when 'stirring vigorously' to promote degassing (3-4 times per day for 2 days), should I be trying to aerate? Trying to not aerate? Not worry about it? (I've added potassium metabisulfate as instructed, and specific gravity is 0.995, which was the (maximum) target.)
Many thanks!
I am at the degassing step of my first-ever batch. I am making a Cabernet Sauvignon from a Master Vintner kit. Things seem mostly ok, but I want to learn from the process and there are a few things that I wonder about.
First ... Will an airlock, properly used, keep fumes/odors from the surrounding area out of my wine, or can fumes/odors get into the wine through the airlock?
Background/details: I built a little temperature control box (think of a large-volume styrofoam cooler with a heating pad and a thermostat) out of polystyrene insulation, using some insulation adhesive to put it together. I let it sit for several days before use, but the inside of the box does still smell somewhat of the adhesive. My wine smells/tastes a little chemically to me--maybe just normal, I don't really know what to expect.
Second ... what temperature should I aim for during degassing and stabilization/clarification? The kit specified a target of 72-76F during primary and secondary, but doesn't specify a temperature for the later stages. Does it help to maintain a fairly constant temperature at this point, or not matter that much?
Third ... when 'stirring vigorously' to promote degassing (3-4 times per day for 2 days), should I be trying to aerate? Trying to not aerate? Not worry about it? (I've added potassium metabisulfate as instructed, and specific gravity is 0.995, which was the (maximum) target.)
Many thanks!