I've got a little less than a gallon of bisulphite that I made up several months ago as part of a larger batch. This has been stored in a eealed gallon container. It still smells plenty strong. I've got just a few bottles to sanitize. How long does it last? If the burnt matches are still strong, is it OK? This wine won't be in the bottle for more than a few months.
Dick
If the "burnt matches" smell is still strong, it's OK. How long does it last? Dunno, I never measured. Months, at least, as long as it's kept in a sealed container. Best answer I can give is "until the burnt matches smell fades."
Dick
Did you realize that you can make wine and sanitize without the bisulphite?
To sanitize the bottles with no sulfites - after you wash them, place them in a cold oven then bake them at 325 - 350 degrees F. for at least 20 minutes after the oven reaches temperature. (Note it takes a bit later to come to temperature when it's full of bottles.) I bake mine in batches - when I'm preparing dinner. When they cool, I place a small piece of food wrap over each bottle. (I line up 3 bottles and place a thin strip wrap over all three and cut inbetween the bottles.) I store them in the wine bottle box - then they are ready and sanitized when I'm ready to bottle. I've never had any problems - and when I've been able to keep wine for 5 years, or intentionally do it - it is still good. If you want more info - you are welcome to contact me at my email address or within this forum.
Anine
I think you're confusing "sanitize" with "sterilize".
"Cleaning with bleach or oxiclean" *is* sanitizing. Bottles *do* have to be sanitized. They do *not* have to be sterilized.
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