FoodBanter.com - Free SO2 Test

On Jun 4, 12:06*pm, Wayne Harris > wrote:
> I currently use the Titrate Kit to test for SO2 in my wine.
> I was always under the impression that this test yielded a rough
> estimation for the total SO2 in my wine.
>
> This is well visited topic in this group, but in reviewing the history
> on this, I see some conflicts in the discussion. *There seems to be
> some discussion that this method actually measures "free" SO2.
>
> And the advertisment at Presque Isle Wine Cellars seems to confirm it.
> "Free SO2 Test Kit, Chemetrics. 10 to 100 ppm range. This is a
> ‘Ripper’ test in which the sulfite is titrated with an iodide-iodate
> titrant in acid solution using a starch indicator."http://www.piwine.com/store/product.php?productid=16923&cat=363&page=1
>
> -==However==-
>
> The Morewine ad for the same thing does not give me this indication.
> "Used to determine the level of SO2 in your wine. Contains 10 tests in
> the form of glass titrets. "http://morewinemaking.com/view_product/19506/103333/Sulphite_Test_Kit
>
> So which is it? *Do i need to save my pennies for an Aeration-
> Oxidation test kit, or not?

It's free sulfite. AFAIK, Most people don't measure total sulfite as
it's the free sulfite level that really matters. AO kit would give you
much better results for free sulfite test as well, so you could still
get it instead of Titrets. If you're just starting, I'd go with
Titrets. What some people do is do a test after fermentation before
adding any sufite to get the error adjustment. This is then subtracted
from your later measurements to get the free sulfite level. As long as
you can see the colour change to determine the endpoint with some
precision, this gives a better result thant the 1 reading method.

Also, for whites, I've been using Vinoferm test kit and I prefer it to
Titrets. It's a Ripper test as well but the scale is linear and so
easier to read. It's also cheaper per test than Titrets.

Pp