I don't ask many questions on this newsgroup but I ALWAYS read the
postings EVERYDAY and greatly appreciate the efforts of those who
respond with their expertise. I have learned so much from reading
these postings! THANK YOU!

Q1. Isinglass ... After reading Jon Iverson's book (Home
Winemaking) it appears that John uses Isinglass quite often along with
bentonite (and speaks very favorably about it). However, in spite of
the excellent information and chart on finings in Lum's manual,
Isinglass appears to be absent. Also, Jack Keller's website mentions
Isinglass briefly but no detailed information. Is this a good agent to
use? Are there any drawbacks?

Q2. Using both + and - fining agents. I have used bentonite and
Sparkaloid at the same time (that is, I add one then 5 minutes later,
add the other). Is this okay or should I use one, wait 30 days and
rack, then use the other? If I use bentonite and isinglass in the
future, can these be used together or should I use only one then rack
then the other?

Thanks again in advance for your help!
Roger L. Pelletier, Aurora, NE USA

Oops... right after I posted this question I remembered that I had not
done a search of previous postings. Found answers in the search. (I
keep forgetting to do a search !!!!!) Sorry.

Also, I found isinglass in Lum's manual afterall... When I originally
checked, I looked at the chart primarily and quickly scanned the text
(obviously too quickly). My apologies.

I'm retired now and have to slow down ... it's hard for someone who has
been in a high pace lifestyle all his life.

Again, my appologies and thanks!
Roger L . Pelletier, Aurora, NE USA

Roger,
Would you share the information you found?

When you searched, did you have to download thousands of past postings? Is
there an easier way to research the history of this group?

Thanks.

John Price

John,

Searches: I rarely need to ask a question on this site. I always
find a wealth of information when I do a search ... there's more info
than one can imagine. I have never
gotten thousands of postings but sometimes hundreds ( the seach only
takes a few seconds.) However, I generally find enough info after
reading a dozen or so major postings (sorted by most recent posting
date). But I'm usually so facinated that I keep reading more of them
for an hour or so anyway (I find new wine information addictive).

Isinglass. People appear to be getting good results with either
the bentonite/isinglass or the bentonite/sparkaloid combinations for
their white wines. I didn't see anything that would change my mind
about trying isinglass. I plan to purchase a small supply of both the
powder and liquid forms ... I understand the liquid is easier to use
and quicker to clear but that the powder is more economical. I've used
the bentonite/sparkaloid combination with good resutls.

Timing of additions: I understood that it is quite acceptable to
add both the - and + agents at basically the same time. No need to
rack after using one before using the other. THOROUGH stirring was
stressed as being very inportant.

Hope this helps ... I'll let everyone know which isinglass (powder or
liquid) I like best after I use them.

Roger L. Pelletier, Aurora, NE USA