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Sulfite Tool

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For wines, meads and ciders it is common to use sulfite as an preservative and antioxident.  Often sulfites are adjusted before bottling.

 

To accurately set your sulfite level you need both a pH meter and sulfite test kit.  The pH meter is used to determine the recommended free sulfite level and the sulfite test kit determines how much free sulfite is already in the wine. This tool will then calculate the amount of sulfite to add.

 

Sorbate is also calculated, though sorbate is only needed if you are backsweetening the wine, mead or cider.  Add sulfites at least a few hours before adding sorbates.

 

Online Articles: Hop Storage and Aging, Balancing your Beer Bitterness

 

Using the Sulfite Tool

oSelect the Sulfite Tool from the Tools menu or ribbon.
oEnter the batch volume then take a pH reading using a pH meter, and enter the pH.
oIf you have a sulfite test kit, measure the current free sulfite levels and enter that in the free sulfite box.
oSet the Target Sulfite level.  In most cases you want to set the Target Sulfite Level equal to the Recommended Free Sulfite reading.
oThe program will display the Metabisulfite to Add in grams.  It will also show Potassium Sorbate to add but this is only needed if you are backsweetening.