Help! Over fed start to MLF

[Mark Kissel]

Hi All,
Started MLF to a 6 gal batch of red, and miss read the amount of ACTI-ML MLF nutrient to add
. Lets just say I added too much and not get into the details. I was considering waiting about 24 hours and racking to eliminate some. Sound like a good idea, or am I toast???? Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated....

Mark

 

[bkboiler]

Not being an expert on MLF, but isnt a malolactic fermentation begun by adding a certain amount of mlf pitch organisms and commensurate amount of nutrient?
if you only added too much nutrients, won't the organisms just use whatever they need and the rest will settle out?
Could always just taste each day and add stabilizer when satisfied, no?
Even if you overpitched the organisms, they will just convert the malic acid to lactic acid more quickly I suppose??

 

[Mark Kissel]

here in lies the problem. Your thoughts make since, but not really sure what will happen. If nothing else, ill have some happy MLF bacteria!
Thanks

 

[bkboiler]

It's kind of like with souring beer I suppose...you're converting malic to lactic for a softer body (among other flavoring compounds).

I'm not sure if oxygen exposure for MLF is harmful, so maybe frequent sampling is not advisable. Sounds like just give it a week and taste...it's not likely you hurt it!