Bentonite added to wine

[Barleylass]

I have made a gallon of cherry wine a few months ago using cherry juice, red grape juice and frozen cherries, and was looking to bottle it for Christmas. It wasn‘t as clear as I wanted so I decided to add Bentonite, at a tablespoon dissolved in a small amount of boiling water then cooled. I stirred this in using my wine degassing wand. A week later I now find that I have a very cloudy wine. Is there anything that you suggest?

 

[kelper]

When I clear wine I use a two-part finings. But it doesn't always work! Did you add some Pectolase? Is the wine somewhere nice and cool?

 

[Barleylass]

When I clear wine I use a two-part finings. But it doesn't always work! Did you add some Pectolase? Is the wine somewhere nice and cool?

Yes I added Pectolase. I have put it back in the garage today although it was in a cool area in the house before. I am so annoyed as it was clear but just with a haze and now it is like mud.

 

[Mr_S_Jerusalem]

I’ve had this with my last 3 wines. They always looked worse after I added it than before lol. And the same thing, they still weren’t clear a week later. One wasn’t clear after 2 weeks.
Eventually I eBayed a 5 pack of Harris clear finings (the little red and blue sachets) and they work extremely well.

 

[Barleylass]

I’ve had this with my last 3 wines. They always looked worse after I added it than before lol. And the same thing, they still weren’t clear a week later. One wasn’t clear after 2 weeks.
Eventually I eBayed a 5 pack of Harris clear finings (the little red and blue sachets) and they work extremely well.

Thanks, I will have a go with those then.

 

[dwhite60]

I've had this too. Found out the secret is de-gassing. I usually make wine and mead by the gallon. I bought a hand operated vacuum pump and use it to de-gas. Stuff then drops crystal clear.

There are many ways to de-gas. I use the vacuum pump for different things. Bleeding brakes on cars, some light canning.

 

[Bobtheblob]

Degass. Degass. Degass! Then add finings. Or it will take ages to clear. Degass properly then add the finings and it will be clear in a day or two.

 

[Barleylass]

Degass. Degass. Degass! Then add finings. Or it will take ages to clear. Degass properly then add the finings and it will be clear in a day or two.

Hi Bobtheblob, the wine had already been degassed. It was almost clear when I added the bentonite, it just had a haze and wanted it really clear as I am giving a couple of bottles as a present. I have ordered the 2 part wine finings and hope that this will do the trick. Thanks for your input.

 

[dwhite60]

Hi Bobtheblob, the wine had already been degassed. It was almost clear when I added the bentonite, it just had a haze and wanted it really clear as I am giving a couple of bottles as a present. I have ordered the 2 part wine finings and hope that this will do the trick. Thanks for your input.

How did you degass it? Even with a wire whip in a drill it can take a while. If it has not completely finished fermenting or it has not been stabilized its possible there are still yeast working in it adding more gas.

 

[Wynott]

. It was almost clear when I added the bentonite, it just had a haze and wanted it really clear...

...I had 2 DJs of Elderflower, so used one as an experiment, and I had the same effect - after using Bentonite it is more cloudy than before. Also, the deposit is thicker, but also lighter so more difficult to rack.

Lesson learned, Bentonite binned!

 

[johncrobinson]

My last "wine" a crazy honey, apple, spiced, concoction would not fall clear after a few weeks including a week cold crashing.
So out with my vinbright filter 15mins later a gallon of crystal clear wine.

 

[Wynott]

Yes, I will probably have to resort to that. I was hoping to get away with it, as the wine was pretty clear. Should have left it alone!