How to Monitor the Brix of Fermenting Wine Must

By eHow Food & Drink Editor

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Brix is a measurement of the amount of sugar in a liquid. The sugar converts to alcohol during fermentation. As Brix numbers decrease, the amount of alcohol in the liquid increases. Measure Brix with a device called a hydrometer.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Hydrometer And Testing Jar
  • Fermenting Wines
  • Granulated Sugars
  • Thermometers
  • Record Logs And Pencil

Measuring Brix

Step1
Be sure the hydrometer is clean and free of oils from your fingers.
Step2
Fill 3/4 of a graduated cylinder or testing jar with juice. Avoid including seeds, stems, skins and bits of fruit in the sample.
Step3
Check the temperature of juice with a thermometer and note it.
Step4
With the bulb end first, place the hydrometer into the juice and give it a gentle spin with your fingers.
Step5
After about 5 to 10 seconds, at eye level, inspect the location of the bottom portion of the meniscus against the hydrometer. (The meniscus is very top of a column of liquid; when seen in a clear container, it almost looks like a thin lid.)
Step6
Record the number on the hydrometer that coincides with the lowest portion of the meniscus.

Adjusting Sugar Level in Liquid

Step1
To increase Brix by 2 degrees, add 3 1/2 ounces of standard granulated sugar (sucrose) to 1 gallon of juice.
Step2
Add water to sugar to create sugar syrup.
Step3
Add sugar syrup to must (juice with seeds and skins) in small amounts. Stir thoroughly.
Step4
Check the Brix and add more sugar to raise the level.
Step5
To decrease the Brix, add water, in small amounts, to dilute the must, or add low-sugar grapes. If you add water, check the acid level and make the necessary adjustments.

Tips & Warnings

  • If bubbles accumulate on the hydrometer, gently spin the hydrometer. When the hydrometer floats without bouncing, record the number immediately.
  • Determine the amount of alcohol the juice will yield by multiplying the initial measurement of Brix - taken before fermentation - by .6. Approximately 60 percent of the sugar will convert to alcohol during fermentation.

Comments

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malloy92

malloy92 said

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on 1/8/2008 Where can I buy the Brix hydrometers?

Bluegill

Bluegill said

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on 7/15/2007 How often do you stir the must befor the frist racking.

Bluegill

Bluegill said

Flag This Comment

on 7/15/2007 How often do you stir the must befor the frist racking ?

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eHow Article: How to Monitor the Brix of Fermenting Wine Must

eHow Food & Drink Editor

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