Thursday, February 14, 2008

Acid Reducing Solutions for Wine Making

Both potassium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate solutions can be used to reduce acid levels in finished wine. The preferred of these two is the potassium solution because the calcium carbonate solution results in an unpleasant taste to the wine.

When adding either of these solutions to wine, the wine maker should realize that the first acid that the solution will lower is the preferred acid, tartaric. The wine maker must take care that the tartaric acid present is not eliminated completely from the wine.

Reduction in acid levels in finished wine are accomplished at about a 1:2 ratio. Total acidity is reduced by 1g/L for every 2g/L of bicarbonate that is added to the wine. Dissolve the bicarbonate in a small quantity of wine and then add the solution to your wine. If your initial acidity reading indicates that you need to reduce the total acidity by 2g/L, do not make a solution totaling 4g/L (remember the 1:2 ratio) and add it to your wine all in one swoop. Instead, make small incremental additions of the solution and taste and take additional acidity measurements in between each further addition of solution.

BlueStem Winery operates a retail store in Parkersburg, Iowa selling winemaking equipment plus ingredients and supplies for home winemaking. BlueStem also carries a large inventory of both WinExpert and Cellar Craft wine kits to enhance your home wine making experience. If you are a brewer and not a vintner, BlueStem also carries a large inventory of homebrewing supplies, homebrew equipment and home brewing ingredients.

Making wine for the first time? Let us help you through the entire process. We offer expert guidance and we are only a phone call or an e-mail away from helping you make world class wine with one of our WinExpert wine kits or one of our Cellar Craft kits.

We can also assist if you are wanting to start brewing at home. Our homebrewing equipment is first rate and we keep an ample amount of homebrew supplies and beer brewing ingredients in stock.

On the web 24/7 at the BlueStem Winery website and available for telephone assistance during store hours. See our website for details.


1 comment:

Debra ~ said...

I would love to try your wine.
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