Thanks Tom,Clyde and KJ for the responses. I'm going to keep an eye on
it. Could the grapefruit smell "possibly" be oxidation like KJ said or
is that NOT possible? I know what aceldhyde smells like and it doesn't
smell like that BUT I have only smelled it in red wine. Does it smell
different in white? I just want to do all I can to diagnose this. I've
read that PVPP might help if it is. Does anyone have any experiences
with that stuff???

TIA

Bob

(Clyde Gill) wrote in message . com>...
> > Anyone ever experience a strong grapefruit like smell on white
> > wine????? I thought non-volitile acid was ordorless but it smells like
> > acid. It doesn't smell like vinegar, hopefully it's not. The wine is
> > extremely tart and I inhibited MLF. I really don't want to do MLF so
> > does anyone have any suggestions??? Am I just jumping the gun and all
> > will be fine ????
> >
> >
> > Bob
>
> I've never done Chardonnay, but have done my share of Chardonel, a
> close cousin. It almost always has grapefruit character in the early
> stages, which later develops into the more typical apple/pear
> characters of this type of wine. I'd give it time and see how it
> develops. Grapefruit aroma is not the worst character a wine can
> have.
>
> If the wine is too tart, this is another issue. It could be any of
> several factors... quite possibly some in combination. A young wine
> will have two acidic qualities working against it:
>
> First, carbon dioxide from the fermentation can remain in solution in
> the form of carbonic acid. This not only raises the overall acid (TA)
> but also can cause an annoying sensation of fizz on the palate.
>
> Second, if the wine was made from fruit or juice (not concentrate),
> there can be excess amounts of tartaric acid present that will drop
> out when the wine is chilled, a process called chill proofing or cold
> stabilizing. Depending on the wine, this process can lower the acid
> level significantly in a young wine.
>
> Other causes can require more drastic measures, but I'd suggest
> checking on the above before proceeding any further.
>
> clyde
>
> Steelville, MO, USofA