Have Gewurtz we picked Sunday, (Portland, OR)

Here are specs after pressing.

Brix 25
TA .60
PH 3.8

I need to get the acid up a bit and instructions indicate I need about 1 tsp
acid blend per gallon to raise .15. So in this case 11 gallons juice would
need 3.6 tablespoons (I promise my next investment is a scale)

Just would like confirmation that I am understanding this right. Shooting
for about .75 TA

Thanks

Tom

"Tom" > wrote:

> Have Gewurtz we picked Sunday, (Portland, OR)
>
> Here are specs after pressing.
>
> Brix 25
> TA .60
> PH 3.8
>
> I need to get the acid up a bit and instructions indicate I need about 1
tsp
> acid blend per gallon to raise .15. So in this case 11 gallons juice
would
> need 3.6 tablespoons (I promise my next investment is a scale)
>
> Just would like confirmation that I am understanding this right. Shooting
> for about .75 TA

Sounds like you got it right.

Teaspoons to add = (TargetTA - MeasuredTA) / .15 x US Gallons = (.75 - .60)
/ .15 x 11 = 11

Tablespoons to add = Teaspoons to add / 3 = 11 / 3 = 3.67

If you use a scale, the formula (according to the same test kit
manufacturer) is:

Ounces to add = (TargetTA - MeasuredTA) / .15 x US Gallons / 6

Grams to add = (TargetTA - MeasuredTA) / .15 x US Gallons x 4.725

The difficulty with using units-of-volume to measure dry chemicals is that
there is a significant difference in weight per unit-of-volume between
powder and crystals, between different sized powders or crystals, between
newly poured and "settled" substances, and between dessicated and hydrated
substances.

For example, the Carlson kit says 1 teaspoon of acid blend will effect a
..15% increase in one (US) gallon, and that 1 ounce will effect the same
increase in 6 gallons. Thus they consider a teaspoon to weigh 1/6 ounce or
4.725 grams (from whence the values in my second set of formulae). I assume
this is true of the acid blend produced by Carlson. However, my supplier
says 1 teaspoon will effect a .12% increase in one US gallon, and Presque
Isle's table shows 5 grams per teaspoon for acid blend.

Also, whether measuring dry or wet substances, it is tricky to get the same
(or correct) amount in each teaspoonful.

So, a scale is indicated where precision is required. Teaspoons are fine
where approximations are sufficient.

eBay is a good place to find a low-priced high-quality NEW gram scale. I
bought a 6-lb capacity scale accurate to +/- 1 gram for less than $30, which
I now use for all my chemical additions.

"Tom" > wrote in message
...
> Have Gewurtz we picked Sunday, (Portland, OR)
>
> Here are specs after pressing.
>
> Brix 25
> TA .60
> PH 3.8
>
> I need to get the acid up a bit and instructions indicate I need about 1
tsp
> acid blend per gallon to raise .15. So in this case 11 gallons juice
would
> need 3.6 tablespoons (I promise my next investment is a scale)
>
> Just would like confirmation that I am understanding this right. Shooting
> for about .75 TA

You need to keep your eye on the pH - not the TA - especially if you want to
inhibit ML. Add tartaric until the pH is down to at least 3.4. The TA will
take care of itself when you cold stabilize the wine.

Tom S