How do you test for SO2 in wine?
How do you test for SO2 in wine?
In the AO method, a wine sample is placed in a flask and phosphoric acid is added to force the sulfite ion into molecular SO2. A small air pump pushes air bubbles through the sample. Since sulfur dioxide is a gas, it dissolves in the air stream and transfers to a trapping solution.
What is an SO2 test?
SO2 testing is an integral part of winemaking and SO2 management begins as soon as you add sulfite to the wine. Having the right amount of SO2 in your wine prevents enzymatic browning and guards against premature oxidation. SO2 preserves freshness and color and it helps stabilize a wine against microbial spoilage.
How do you test sulfite levels in wine?
Yet another alternative test method for detecting sulfites in red wine would be to add approximately 1 teaspoon of citric acid to a 1 ounce sample of red wine in a small cup. Holding the Sulfite test strip above the solution for 5 minutes will result in the test strip reading the sulfite level.
What happens if you add too much SO2 in wine?
This bound sulfite will do nothing to protect the wine. It is just there, and will remain there. As doses of potassium metabisulfite or Campden tablets are added throughout the wine making process, the amount of bound sulfite builds up. If it builds up too much you can actually taste it in the wine.
How much SO2 do I add to wine?
a. 0.8 mg/l of molecular SO2 is considered the needed amount for white wine and 0.5 mg/l for red wine.
What are the uses of Sulphur dioxide?
Although its chief uses are in the preparation of sulfuric acid, sulfur trioxide, and sulfites, sulfur dioxide also is used as a disinfectant, a refrigerant, a reducing agent, a bleach, and a food preservative, especially in dried fruits.
How much SO2 do you add before bottling?
As a rule of thumb, always maintain the free SO2 concentration between 25 and 50 mg/L throughout the winemaking process, including bottling. The amount depends on how much sulfite you want and on the quality of the grapes.
How much SO2 do I add to must?
At crush, a rule of thumb is used. Generally, 25-75 ppm SO2 added to must/juice will keep microbial load and enzymatic browning in check. There are several factors to consider when deciding the most effective dose, especially the pH of the juice and the condition of the fruit.
Is sulfur dioxide toxic?
Sulfur dioxide is a severe irritant to the respiratory tract, eyes, mucous membranes, and skin. Exposure to high doses can cause pulmonary edema, bronchial inflammation, and laryngeal spasm and edema with possible airway obstruction. There is no antidote for sulfur dioxide.
How do I test the ppm of SO2 in my wine?
To test the ppm of free SO2 in your wine you will need an SO2 test kit or machine. MoreWine!’s SO2 test kit offerings range from the most basic, manual kit to a fully automated SO2 testing machine.
What is SO2 testing and why is it important?
SO2 testing is an integral part of winemaking and SO2 management begins as soon as you add sulfite to the wine. Having the right amount of SO2 in your wine prevents enzymatic browning and guards against premature oxidation. SO2 preserves freshness and color and it helps stabilize a wine against microbial spoilage.
How much free SO2 is too much in my wine?
In other words, you can have 25 ppm free SO2 in your wine and think everything was fine, but if your pH is above 3.3 the wine is still not adequately protected! When it comes to sulfite additions, one size definitely does not fit all! (*Note: a full explanation of “free” and “total” SO2 is coming!)
What is SO2 in wine and why is it important?
SO2 preserves freshness and color and it helps stabilize a wine against microbial spoilage. If a wine does not contain the required amount of SO2, chances are it won’t gracefully make it past one year in the bottle (depending on the wine pH ).
