KLAAYHAUS
Well-Known Member
We made a kit wine (Riesling Ice Wine) which turned out pretty decent for our first batch (a little too thick though). I do have a few questions concerning shelf life. We drank plenty from the carboy and bottled 12 bottles along with one that we didn't cork (on a Saturday). We took this bottle and placed a "refrigerator cork" in it and drank out of it on Sunday and Monday. By Tuesday my wife said that it looked like it had hairs in it and dumped it out rather than saving it for me to inspect. The remaining 12 bottles that are aging are clear and look absolutely perfect. I have seen this same hair-like bacteria in old bottles of kit wine (bottled in screw-type bottles) that we were given to us by friends. My questions are as follows:
What is this hair-like bacteria called?
Is it harmful?
What causes it?
How do I prevent it next time?
My assumptions are that it is a natural occurring bacteria that feeds off of oxygen. When we open a bottle of this wine, we have to drink it within two days. We prevent it next time by adding more metabisulphite than the kit provides.
Suggestions and comments are appreciated by the "NEWBIE"
What is this hair-like bacteria called?
Is it harmful?
What causes it?
How do I prevent it next time?
My assumptions are that it is a natural occurring bacteria that feeds off of oxygen. When we open a bottle of this wine, we have to drink it within two days. We prevent it next time by adding more metabisulphite than the kit provides.
Suggestions and comments are appreciated by the "NEWBIE"