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Add or skip Chitosan clarifier?

I have a Brew King Cabernet kit started August 1st, Racked September 5 and racked again on 12 September with additional oaking. Now it is time to rack off the Oak and add Sorbate. Here is my question: should I skip adding the chitosan clarifier if I plan to bottle in say a month? Should I add the Chitosan? I have never skipped the final clarifier supplied in the kit, but this wine is very clear. I cant really bulk age this one because I'm likely moving soon.

Thanks in Advance

Reply to
K. B.
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I would use the chitosan, but I would skip the sorbate if you fermented your wine dry! I have not used sorbate for the past six years.

HTH, Guy

Reply to
Guy Therrien

Just out of curiosity, why would you skip the sorbate? I understand that if it is fermented dry that is not necessarily needed. But does it add any flavors to the wine or change anything about it?

Thanks,

David

Reply to
David J.

Sorbate interferes with yeast reproduction and as such can inhibit ferementation starting in the bottle. It does have a taste which can be quite pronounced the longer you age it.

Reply to
J F

Personally, I wouldn't skip the chitosan - but if the wine is dry I'd _definitely_ skip the sorbate! There's no good reason to add sorbate to a dry wine, and it will degrade the flavor.

Tom S

Reply to
Tom S

Thanks for the replies. I shall add the chit, and withhold the sorbate. I still didn't read what "additional" benefits chitosan offers besides clarification (except a brief note from USDA stating it inhibits microbial growth on fresh fruits and berries).

All the Best,

Karl Borum Saint Charles County, MO

Reply to
K. B.

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