On Apr 13, 10:19 pm, "J Scott" > wrote:
> I'm a newbie and about to start my first batch of wine. I would greatly
> appreciate some advice from you guys who have some experience. I'm starting
> out with a 3 gallon batch. I have a pretty good understanding of the
> primary fermentation. Once I finish my primary and move on to subsequent
> rackings, I know I have to monitor specific gravity and etc. using a test
> jar and my hydrometer. My first question is this. If my test jar and
> hydrometer are cleaned with sulfite solution, is there any reason why I
> can't return the wine sample to the carboy provided I keep aeration to a
> minimum? If I shouldn't do this then my next question is about topping up
> to compensate for the loss of wine. After several checks I'm going to have
> less volume over a period of time. If I add water to top up then I'm going
> to be changing my acidity, specific gravity and etc. What would you suggest
> in regards to topping up to eliminate the air space? Thanks so much for the
> suggestions!
>
> By the way... my first wine is going to be apple made with pure juice from
> the store. No additives or preservatives. Any veterans of this method have
> any tips or advice? Thanks!
>
> Jeff

Jeff,
You don't clean with a sulfite solution, you sanitize. Usually you
rinse with tap water after you sanitize. Yes, you return the wine to
the carboy.

Welcome to home winemaking. Another good site for you is:
http://www.winepress.us/forums/index.php

Guy