Vinbrite wine filter

[zutman]

Not long started this very addictive hobby and have bought a wine filter just to make my wine extra clean anyhow I've been told dozens of times try and keep getting oxygen into wine and beer to a minimum, so when I used the filter for the first time, as the wine passes through the filter it splashes big time back into the demijohn is this ok or am I thinking too much? But then why sell it if it was going to spoil your pride and joy

 

[chewie]

I have one of those filters though i haven't used it, i recall it saying something about connecting some tubing to it to reduce the splash. I've found that a well settled wine that has been racked will be as clear as day so i have never bothered to use the filter yet though i do intend to try it at some point.

 

[Chippy_Tea]

I have read filters can strip out flavour i don't know if this is true but like chewie says if you rack your wine and use finings it will be crystal clear in a couple of days so no need for filters.

 

[zutman]

I think your right won't bother using it again it's very time consuming as well, another item for eBay

 

[HLA91]

I wouldn't write the filter off completely. If you think a wine looks good without a filter, wait until you filter it.
The results are well worth the effort, but the effort isn't worth it unless you are really entering wines into competition where that added clarity really matters.
A filter can also be used where a clear wine (I mean able to read a newspaper through) repeatedly drops a fine dusting of sediment. I had a wine like that (over 2 years old) which it was hardly worth racking for the sediment was so fine, but it held me back from bottling it in case it dropped sediment in the bottle. Filter pads have also gone up in price and as there is only 1 manufacturer it means people are filtering less and less (£1.60 per pad) and you know how frugal homebrewers can be.

 

[chewie]

I'm probably gonna wait until I've a large volume to do because of the price of those pads, running a gallon thru here or there just isn't worth it imo, 30 bottles of Rose followed by 30 bottles of RGJ and Apple though would.

 

[HLA91]

Dear lord I wouldn't dream of doing 1 gallon. 5 gallons minimum. As for splashing I have heard of retro-fitting tubing, or just dose with sulphite to neutralise oxygen

 

[zutman]

Would you believe I've just picked up a Kenridge classic cabinet/Shiraz 30bottle and the instructions are telling me to filter the wine before bottling LOL... I think I will retro fit a tube and give it a go, it's a long wait but looking forward to this wine I think wait till Christmas if I can

 

[110ben]

I make 30 bottle kits all the time and always filter and add labels. I think i am trying to add value as comparing to commercial wines. Everybody to there own i think. I like my filter though.

 

[zutman]

And do you let the wine splash when filtering or have you adapted a pipe on the outlet ? I'm also going to label my wines, looking at the kits I'm planning will be 12 months till I get a good drinkable stock in, I've just bottled a Beaverdale Shiraz and sampled a glass and it was very good

 

[110ben]

Yes i just let mine splash. Doesn't seem to hurt it in my opinion.
My own preferences for whites are anything that i don't have to add sugar too so around the £30 mark per kit.
Reds are a different kettle of fish. My first attempt was a wineworks Merlot which i thought turned out like an alcoholic ribena. So I jumped to a winexpert world vineyard Aussie Shiraz which has just been filtered and bottled and tastes amazing even at this stage so cant wait to try it when it has matured. That comes in at £49.95 from creative winemaking (sorry if i am not allowed to mention them ) and well worth the money i think. So for whites which just get quaffed to be honest i will stick at the £30.00 per kit price point and £50 or more for the reds.... £1 or £2 per bottle which is still saving us a small fortune.. For my labels i use Maestro label designer an online system that works ok for me. Hope thats of interest and good luck with the hobby.

 

[Vinotinto]

From limited experience I find the vinbrite good for country wines ( blackberry etc ) . Stops the bottle getting that annoying line of sediment when laid down for a while like many Wows. Have done kits with and without the filter , mainly Beaverdale, and have not noticed any difference.

 

[zutman]

I'm in the same frame just going to start a Kenridge cab/Shiraz should be good quality (just debating how much oak to add) and listening to your comments on filtering and getting rid of sediment dusting I will give it a go, I've been using Avery for labels but will have a look at the one you mentioned. My kids drink kopparberg mixed fruit cider so I've ordered ciderworks mixed fruit cider should be interesting brew looks easy, I do have one question what's the best way to store wines ? For long term