Tried something New..

[Samsara]

This isn't my first rodeo when making wine but I I'm working through some experiments. I secondaried wine (Eclipse Zin) in a whiskey barrel (Balcones) then just transferred it into the tertiary and added my chitosan. It's only been 5 days ( 6/14/18) and this has happened. It's not something I've seen before in any other batches I've ever made... A little help?

 

[jgmillr1]

I don't recall having seen this before. Did you previously add kieselsol or bentonite? Chitosan is typically added as the second part of a 2-part fining protocol. Kieselsol is added first and the chitosan is added the next day. This is sold as the "super-kleer" set.

If you haven't added any kielselsol, I'd suggest you go buy some and stir it in really well now.

There is a good and thorough explanation of fining agents here.

 

[Samsara]

I don't recall having seen this before. Did you previously add kieselsol or bentonite? Chitosan is typically added as the second part of a 2-part fining protocol. Kieselsol is added first and the chitosan is added the next day. This is sold as the "super-kleer" set.

If you haven't added any kielselsol, I'd suggest you go buy some and stir it in really well now. I've made these kits dozens of times and this is the first time anything like this has happened. All I can think of is it has something to do with me using the oak barrel. I just don't know what's happening or if it's fixable. I'm going to keep moving forward. I am happy to report results as I go along.

There is a good and thorough explanation of fining agents here.

I'm following the directions that came with the Winexpert kit.
Steps 3 and 4.

 

[jgmillr1]

The blobs resemble protein coagulation. Bentonite is often added to the primary during active fermentation to drop positively charged proteins in grapes that can produce those floating blobs. The tannin extracted into red wine does the same. Chitosan attracts and drops negatively charged bits such as yeast and is a good clarifier.

The kits are pretty much designed to "paint by numbers" and you shouldn't have unusual things happening off-script with them as long as you follow the instructions. I expect that the coagulation in your wine should eventually settle on its own. Happy brewing.

 

[Samsara]

The blobs resemble protein coagulation. Bentonite is often added to the primary during active fermentation to drop positively charged proteins in grapes that can produce those floating blobs. The tannin extracted into red wine does the same. Chitosan attracts and drops negatively charged bits such as yeast and is a good clarifier.

The kits are pretty much designed to "paint by numbers" and you shouldn't have unusual things happening off-script with them as long as you follow the instructions. I expect that the coagulation in your wine should eventually settle on its own. Happy brewing.

Thank you. Yes, I did use Bentonite in the beginning and yes these kits are very paint by number.. Makes them great for experimenting, hence the whiskey barrel.
It smells fine, haven't tasted this round, but I'm about to rack it again and add sparkloid.
Thanks again for all the knowledge!!

 

[Samsara]

I don't recall having seen this before. Did you previously add kieselsol or bentonite? Chitosan is typically added as the second part of a 2-part fining protocol. Kieselsol is added first and the chitosan is added the next day. This is sold as the "super-kleer" set.

If you haven't added any kielselsol, I'd suggest you go buy some and stir it in really well now.

There is a good and thorough explanation of fining agents here.

Hey I just wanted to thank you again for your information. I went ahead and continue to move forward with this and it came out amazingly! So now I have a Balcones blue corn whiskey Cabernet Sauvignon that is pretty outstanding. I thought I would share a picture of the final product.

 

[jgmillr1]

Hey I just wanted to thank you again for your information. I went ahead and continue to move forward with this and it came out amazingly! So now I have a Balcones blue corn whiskey Cabernet Sauvignon that is pretty outstanding. I thought I would share a picture of the final product.View attachment 579759

Looks great! Cheers