fbpx

Writer: Alison Crowe

503 result(s).

Stabilizing A Fruit Port

MEMBERS ONLY

Well, in the olden days of fortified winemaking, potassium sorbate (a potassium salt of sorbic acid) wasn’t even a thing. While sorbic acid does occur naturally in some plants (rowan berries and hippophae berries, to be exact), almost all of the world’s potassium sorbate is made in a laboratory. In addition to potassium sorbate being

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Tips For Rehydrating Dry Yeast

MEMBERS ONLY

Photo by Jason Phelps Rehydrating dried yeast is a simple and straightforward process, and one that I find to be essential when using dried yeast for winemaking purposes.  The simple answer to your question is no, do not use distilled water for yeast rehydration. Distilled water is not osmotically balanced, which means that it can

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Sacrificial Tannins Explained

MEMBERS ONLY

Oak galls are one source of tannins that winemakers may consider adding at various stages, including active fermentation as sacrificial tannin. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com Tannins, or the compounds in grapes (and oak barrels) that contribute to a pleasing sensation of astringency in red (and some white) wines, are found in grape skins and seeds.

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Sacrificial Tannins Explained, Yeast Rehydration, and Stabilizing A Fruit Port

MEMBERS ONLY

The term “sacrificial tannins” is something that gets casually tossed into the winemaking lexicon by those who have been in the trade for a while . . . but what does it really mean? Get an explanation along with tips for rehydrating dry yeast and techniques to properly stabilize a fortified wine.

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Tips For Blending Wine

MEMBERS ONLY

I think that’s a pretty cool idea! How many of us are lucky enough to hang out with such an obviously collaboratively minded group of folks? And, though it may seem daunting, there’s nothing like jumping in and getting started. At the very least you’ll learn something going through the process yourself and I’m sure

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Making Wine With Smoke-Effected Grapes

MEMBERS ONLY

Indeed, the last few years (2017 and 2020 especially) grape growing areas in Northern California and other parts of the state including the Central Coast have experienced historically large wildfires. If grapes are exposed to smoke, winemakers should be alert to the possibility of smoke taint damage to grapes and to finished wines during and

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Blending Guidance and Smoke Taint Mitigation

MEMBERS ONLY

Winemaking may be more a science, but blending is definitely an art. The Wizard has some tips for a rookie winemaker looking to possibly blend five different wines. Also, make sure you’re up on the latest knowledge and mitigation methods surrounding the phenomenon known as smoke taint.

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Oak-Aging Advice and Strategies for a Chaptalization Mistake

MEMBERS ONLY

Maintaining wine while it ages in oak is an important task. Make sure you are taking the appropriate steps. Also, a winemaker can’t get their latest wine to start fermentation. The Wine Wizard unravels the mystery behind the unfermentable juice.

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Strategies for a Chaptalization Mistake

FREE

It sounds like you’re doing a lot of things right, especially being that your grape wine has taken off, but your plum wine is just plum tuckered out.  Seems like you’ve got

Oak Barrel Aging Advice

MEMBERS ONLY

Hi Larry, congrats on your new piece of equipment! I’m sure you’ll find it adds to the kinds of wine you can make. Since you just filled your barrel and it’s brand new, you might want to open the bung and check the wine level now, since it’s been three weeks. Sometimes new barrels are

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Learning To Taste Wine At Different Stages

FREE

I apologize in advance for the lengthy response, but this is a fantastic question and I really wanted to flesh out my answer for you. You’re absolutely right to realize that tasting

Bottling Blues Leads to Kegging Thoughts

MEMBERS ONLY

Hey, I’ve been there . . . a couple of years ago I also entered into unknown territory. After years of bottling one of my commercial Pinot Noirs in Stelvin screwcaps, I embarked on an adventure into the land of wine kegs, or “wine-on-tap.” I kept hearing from sommeliers and restaurant staff how by-the-glass programs

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Tasting Wine In Stages and Bottling Blues

MEMBERS ONLY

As a winemaker evolves, learning how to evaluate their wine during different stages of maturation can be key. The Wine Wizard has some thoughts on what to expect when tasting wines at various young ages as well as kegging homemade wine.

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

The Wine Wizard’s “Pearls of Wiz-dom”

FREE

Thanks for your kind words! I always really enjoy the WineMaker Conferences and connecting with the readership — it helps me put names and faces to the invisible readership out there and

Using The Smoke, Campden Tablets, Getting Grape Updates, and Some Pearls of Wiz-dom

MEMBERS ONLY

With wildfires on the rise in many wine regions around the world, smoke taint has become a common phrase. Learn about it and ways winemakers may be able to try to make the best from affected grapes. Also learn about Campden tablets, getting news on grape growing conditions, and some other pearls of wiz-dom.

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Campden Tablets Best Practices

MEMBERS ONLY

The great thing about Campden tablets (a convenient form of dosing in sulfur dioxide for home winemakers) is that they will inhibit the yeast and bacteria you do not want (which are sensitive to sulfur dioxide) while allowing the yeast you do want to continue to power through the fermentation. Longtime readers of my column

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Getting Grape Updates During Growing Season

MEMBERS ONLY

Sometimes local AVA (American Viticultural Area) groups will have data available on their websites or emails available to members (the latter is the case with, for example, Napa Valley Vintners). For the most part, however, home winemakers won’t be members of these kinds of groups (they can cost thousands of dollars to join) so they

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Coping With Grapes Affected By Smoke Taint

MEMBERS ONLY

Some characteristics found in smoke-tainted wines are the same that can be found in toasted oak barrels. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.com I’ve heard rumor that a couple of smaller wineries that have experienced smoke taint in their grapes are indeed evolving that wine into new styles. Depending on the grape type and level of impact,

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Bottling Tips and Checklist

MEMBERS ONLY

Bottling day gets easier with equipment upgrades and practice. But whether your first or fiftieth bottle run, certain fundamentals need to always be followed. Photo by Brett Cook I totally get it! There are some great articles about bottling in the WineMaker article archives at www.winemakermag.com. Though it’s a topic my fellow authors have covered

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Learn Some Wine Judge Etiquette

FREE

Congrats on getting invited to your first ever wine judging! I’ve been judging wine competitions, both for home and commercial winemakers, for over 15 years now and they’re always a great way

Bottling Tips and Wine Judge Etiquette

MEMBERS ONLY

Bottling is typically the final step towards producing wine where a winemaker can foul things up. Get some recommendations from the Wizard on when and how to bottle your wines. Also get some pointers on proper etiquette of being a wine judge.

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Practical Advice For Oak Chips and Volatile Acidity

MEMBERS ONLY

Q I am using Flextanks and oak chips for my wine and am really liking the results. However, I put the oak chips in loose and they clog up the tubing and pump when I rack. I was thinking of making some bags out of mesh to put the oak chips in, but was wondering

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Malolactic-palooza and The Importance Of pH

MEMBERS ONLY

Malolactic fermentation can be finicky even for professional winemakers, but there are protocols winemakers can follow to help avoid the headache (and heartache). Learn those along with best practices for a post-fermentation acid adjustment.

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Post-Fermentation Wine Acid Adjustment

MEMBERS ONLY

Great topic and great questions. If you’ve read my columns over the years, you’re familiar with my mantra of acid being the “backbone” of wine, as well as the importance of having the correct pH for long-term aging. The higher the pH (lower acidity), the more spoilage organisms like Lactobacillus and Acetobacter can get a

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

Troubleshooting Malolactic Fermentation

MEMBERS ONLY

Well, it’s tough to say what would make one cloudy and the other clear, except for the fact that they may not have been identical coming from your fermenters. If you did blend/homogenize after pressing, then it’s possible you’re seeing the cloudy wine (pH 3.77) going through the MLF (malolactic fermentation) a little more quickly

var pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd,pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll=function(){var r=0;return function(n,l){clearInterval(r),r=setInterval(n,l)}}();!function(e,t,n){if(e.getElementById(n)){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd_poll(function(){if(window[‘om_loaded’]){if(!pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd){pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();return pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});}}},25);return;}var d=false,o=e.createElement(t);o.id=n,o.src=”https://a.omappapi.com/app/js/api.min.js”,o.async=true,o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=function(){if(!d){if(!this.readyState||this.readyState===”loaded”||this.readyState===”complete”){try{d=om_loaded=true;pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd=new OptinMonsterApp();pew2xhgsmha9bodttitd.init({“u”:”37387.821976″,”staging”:0,”dev”:0,”beta”:0});o.onload=o.onreadystatechange=null;}catch(t){}}}};(document.getElementsByTagName(“head”)[0]||document.documentElement).appendChild(o)}(document,”script”,”omapi-script”);

503 result(s) found.