Sulfites Give Me A Headache  August 10, 2007
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We hear it all the time, "I can't drink wines with sulfites because I'm allergic to them. They give me a headache". Not so fast. Research has all but debunked the sulfite/allergy connection. Here is a great article I ran across while surfing around the net, "Red Wine Headache."

No one is doubting that some people do get headaches when drinking wine, but the reason as to "why" is still not clear. However, one thing is certain. It is highly unlikely that sulfites are the cause.

Your Privacy  August 7, 2007
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We know that gaining your trust is something that must be earned. Because of this we take your privacy very seriously. Our policy is very simple:

."We do not collect information we do not need, and we do not give information to anyone who does not need it. Period!"

We will never sell or give your information to marketing companies or any other business that may want to know who you are.

We also take many, many measures to insure that your information is secure. Multiple firewalls, data encryption and third-party security consulting are just some of the tactics we employ.

For more information about our privacy and security policies go to the following link on our website:

http://www.eckraus.com/privacy.html

Improving Finished Wine's Flavor  August 6, 2007
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Dear Kraus,

Do you have anything to add to homemade concord grape wine to improve the flavor?

Thanks,
Cindi
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Dear Cindi,

You can add Wine Conditioner to sweeten the wine or you can add glycerine to add body or thickness. Both are simply added to taste. Be sure to use a measured sample of the wine for taste-testing purposes. This is an easy and safe way to establish a dosage for the rest of the wine.

Another idea is to use frozen concord concentrate from your local grocery store. This will add both sweetness and flavor to your wine. It is important that you add Wine Stabilizer at the same time to eliminates any chance of re-fermentation.

Best Wishes,
Customer Service at E.C. Kraus

Strong Smell In My Wine  August 3, 2007
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Hydrogen sulfide is the most commonly noticed off-odor coming from a must. This email covers the reasons for this odor and how to correct it.

Hi!

I have a quick question...My wine (SunCal Pinot Chardonnay) is 2 weeks into its secondary and ready for its 1st racking. However, I noticed a strong sulfur odor. I've never experienced this before. I've made several wines from different concentrates and grapes (mostly concord), but have never made a chardonnay or had such a strong odor like this. The taste of the wine is not really effected to a great degree. Is this a characteristic of this type of juice? Should I be worried? Will the odor dissipate over time after being racked off the sediment. Is there anything else I can do? HELP!!!

Jeff
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Dear Jeff,

The smell you are describing is most likely hydrogen sulfide, which is a natural bi-product of a fermentation. However, excessive amounts are not normal. There are a few reasons excessive amounts of hydrogen sulfide may occur.

The most probable reason you are getting this odor in excess is the temperature is too warm. The ideal temperature for fermentation is 70-75 degrees F.

Another reason would be lack of nitrogen (yeast nutrient), so make sure to put in nutrient or energizer if the recipe calls for it.

If the yeast did not multiply enough during the primary fermentation, you may also notice this odor because the yeast is overworked. The yeast need oxygen in order to multiply. We recommend covering the container with a cloth during the primary fermentation so the yeast can get oxygen. After the primary fermentation, you need to use an airlock.

The smell will lessen over time. If the odor is too much, you can do the following to a finished wine. You can aerate the wine by racking the wine in a splashing manner. You can also poor the wine over sanitized copper. This will help to release the odor. If you do either of the above, be sure to put in a dose of Campden Tablets or sodium bisulfite to drive out any oxygen you may have introduced and to help with any remaining odors.

Best Wishes,
Customer Service at E.C. Kraus|

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