Wine Kit deviations

[Brewer Mike]

Hello!

I've got a wild Grapes Merlot kit. I plan to bulk age it for 9 - 12 months.

Instructions say to add Bentonite at the very beginning. Being a fining agent, do I even need it? Seems that it would naturally clarify during the bulk aging, or does it have other effects?

 

[IAmPistolPete]

I'm with you in that I've never fined my wines [or had to]. Especially if you're bulk aging for that length of time I don't see the need for fining. I think they put that stuff in the kits to make the wines look more drinkable sooner.

 

[Maylar]

Hello!

I've got a wild Grapes Merlot kit. I plan to bulk age it for 9 - 12 months.

Instructions say to add Bentonite at the very beginning. Being a fining agent, do I even need it? Seems that it would naturally clarify during the bulk aging, or does it have other effects?

I use Bentonite in my traditional meads (honey & water) all the time. I think it makes a huge difference. One week after primary it's clear enough to read through. After aging there's only a bit of sediment that drops out. You'll have a lot more stuff to rack off of otherwise.

 

[bernardsmith]

Kit makers suggest you add Bentonite as you pitch the yeast because the action of bentonite during fermentation forces the clay to continually rise and fall. When one adds the clay after fermentation has ended, there is no CO2 being produced that will help force the clay to rise once it has forced down positively charged particles. Of course, none of this compels you to add bentonite to your wine to help fine it. Gravity will do that work if you have the patience and time is not an issue. I am a kosher vegetarian and so never add Chitosan (made from shellfish).