Conceivably, I'd like to attempt MLF this coming season. I've generally worked with non-concentrated pasteurized juice in the past. Is MLF an option for this type of must? I know it's not an option for a concentrate. I may "ameliorate" the must with a few pounds of grapes. I'm not equipped to make wine from grapes themselves which I know is the usual context for MLF.
Thanks, Jim
I've never made kit wine, but I bet if the pH is above 3.3 and you add MLB then keep it at 70F, you'd see MLF occur. Same goes for your pasteurized must. Initial sulfite levels will dictate a roll, but I've evidence that total SO2 levels do not totally inhibit MLF.... contrary to what some wise men are saying these days.
I may "ameliorate" the must with a few pounds of
I suspsect that MLF is not usually done with 'kits' because it changes the balance of the wine. Best to look at your starting parameters (TA vs pH) and go from there. MLF greatly influences these important factors, so it's wise to monitor and possibly adjust these accordingly.
clyde
MLF is strongly not recommended with kits because most (all?) of the acid in the kit is malic - I think this is done to prevent tartrate precipitation. The change in balance would be pretty drastic.
Also, TA (not sure about pH) cannot be measured before fermentation on kit wines that have been made with concentrate. Some of the acid is bound during the concentration process, so the measurement will be artificially low. Post fermentation measurements will be accurate.
For pasteurized juices, both of these should not be issues, as long as the "juice" has not been reconstituted from concentrate. Lots of the "100% juice" kits on the market are if you read the fine print.
Pp
Thanks Clyde. Yes, I know MLF changes a lot of chemistry, which is the whole point. Some of my 10 month old wines are tart and I suspect they are high in malic acid. I wanted to make sure pasteurization was not a problem to the MLF for next time.
MLF would ruin a kit wine. 'Twould be unstable and flabby to the extreme.
Clyde, et al. MLF is not recommended for kit wines as sorbate is an additive that is included with the kit which the 'directions' instruct the wine-maker to add. Remember this equasion; Sorbate + ML = Geraniums! Your wine will come out smelling and tasting like geraniums and there is _nothing_ you can do to correct it. Joanne from the wild places of Albuquerque, New Mexico
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