This morning the must was reading -2° Brix at 74° F before the punchdown.
After the punch the reading was zero °Brix.
This does not surprise me as the Pod vessel is tall and narrow, and colder towards the top. My scenario is that the ferment stratifies a little, proceeding a little more slowly in and under the cap. Uniformity is re-established by mixing.
Also as I expected and hoped, as the ferment nears completion the hints of sulfide aromas that I noted yesterday are disappearing.
Over the weekend I will be checking the Brix of the must with a precision hydrometer to validate the WinePod's Brix sensor readings. (Note that the Brix goes negative at the end of fermentation because zero °Brix is defined as pure water. The density of the water/alcohol mix in wine is less than that of water, so the value goes negative.)
Once I have verified two consecutive negative Brix readings I am going to inoculate the must for malolactic fermentation, and allow the wine to macerate on the skins for an extended period (until malo is complete) before pressing.
Friday, January 25, 2008
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