"Tom and Shelley" wrote:

Hello,
We are new to wine making. We started our first batch in April of
this
year. Right now the only testing equipment I have is a Vinometer and a
Hydrometer. I see a lot of other posts about checking the acid levels and
other things that at this point I do not fully understand. Should this be
something I need to worry about or should I just go with taste and
experiment for the first year or so?

A Vinometer (allegedly) measures the alcohol in a finished dry wine. In
practice, I find them too inaccurate for meaningful results.

A hydrometer measures the specific gravity and (by inference) the "Brix"
(sugar content, expressed as a percentage) and (by formula) the potential
alcohol if the wine ferments to dryness. It is an essential tool for the
winemaker, although many good ways have been made without one.

An "acid test kit" measures the acidity of the wine. A pH meter measures the
concentration of hydrogen atoms, or the "strength" of the acid. The former
measurement is more related to the taste of the wine. The latter is more
related to the wine's ability to keep.

Both measurements are important, but the pH is far more important. That
having been said, if the TA (titratable acid) is within range, the pH is
_usually_ within range. Thus, IMO a $5 acid test kit is more practical for
the beginner than a $70 pH meter plus $10 of buffer solutions to calibrate
it and preserve the probe. But if you can afford the pH meter, by all means
get one, and use it.

If the acid is too low, the wine will taste insipid, and not keep properly.
If the acid is too high, the wine will be unpleasantly acidic. With an
educated pallate, you might succeed in making such adjustments without a
test kit, but the test kit simplifies the task of achieving an acceptable
acidity level. Final adjustments should still be made by taset. lIt is not
as essential as a hydrometer --- especially if you are working from a recipe
or a kit --- but it will help make the difference between mediocre and good
wine.

There are a variety of other chemical tests which can be performed. All have
value, but (IMO) are not essential for the beginner.

Hope this helps.