1. Home
  2. Winemaking Craft Forum
  3. Fining with both + and - agents.

Fining with both + and - agents.

I don't ask many questions on this newsgroup but I ALWAYS read the postings EVERYDAY and greatly appreciate the efforts of those who respond with their expertise. I have learned so much from reading these postings! THANK YOU!

Q1. RE: Isinglass ... After reading Jon Iverson's book (Home Winemaking) it appears that John uses Isinglass quite often along with bentonite (and speaks very favorably about it). However, in spite of the excellent information and chart on finings in Lum's manual, Isinglass appears to be absent. Also, Jack Keller's website mentions Isinglass briefly but no detailed information. Is this a good agent to use? Are there any drawbacks?

Q2. RE: Using both + and - fining agents. I have used bentonite and Sparkaloid at the same time (that is, I add one then 5 minutes later, add the other). Is this okay or should I use one, wait 30 days and rack, then use the other? If I use bentonite and isinglass in the future, can these be used together or should I use only one then rack then the other?

Thanks again in advance for your help! Roger L. Pelletier, Aurora, NE USA

Reply to
Wino-Nouveau
Loading thread data ...

Oops... right after I posted this question I remembered that I had not done a search of previous postings. Found answers in the search. (I keep forgetting to do a search !!!!!) Sorry.

Also, I found isinglass in Lum's manual afterall... When I originally checked, I looked at the chart primarily and quickly scanned the text (obviously too quickly). My apologies.

I'm retired now and have to slow down ... it's hard for someone who has been in a high pace lifestyle all his life.

Again, my appologies and thanks! Roger L . Pelletier, Aurora, NE USA

Reply to
Wino-Nouveau

Roger, Would you share the information you found?

When you searched, did you have to download thousands of past postings? Is there an easier way to research the history of this group?

Thanks.

John Price

Reply to
John Price

John,

RE: Searches: I rarely need to ask a question on this site. I always find a wealth of information when I do a search ... there's more info than one can imagine. I have never gotten thousands of postings but sometimes hundreds ( the seach only takes a few seconds.) However, I generally find enough info after reading a dozen or so major postings (sorted by most recent posting date). But I'm usually so facinated that I keep reading more of them for an hour or so anyway (I find new wine information addictive).

RE: Isinglass. People appear to be getting good results with either the bentonite/isinglass or the bentonite/sparkaloid combinations for their white wines. I didn't see anything that would change my mind about trying isinglass. I plan to purchase a small supply of both the powder and liquid forms ... I understand the liquid is easier to use and quicker to clear but that the powder is more economical. I've used the bentonite/sparkaloid combination with good resutls.

RE: Timing of additions: I understood that it is quite acceptable to add both the - and + agents at basically the same time. No need to rack after using one before using the other. THOROUGH stirring was stressed as being very inportant.

Hope this helps ... I'll let everyone know which isinglass (powder or liquid) I like best after I use them.

Roger L. Pelletier, Aurora, NE USA

Reply to
Wino-Nouveau

DrinksForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.