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If it doesn't restart by moving to a warmer room, test the SO2 level of the stuck wine. If it is above 80 ppm your efforts
to restart will fail. Test the sugar level. If using a -5 to +5 hydrometer and the reading is below a -1.5 degrees or -2 degrees,
then the wine is dry and not stuck. (GettingStarted) If the hydrometer is higher than a -1.5, such as a 0 reading or a plus 1 degrees, then there
is residual sugar and one may attempt to restart. It may also be lacking nutrient. Add yeast nutrient in the recommended amounts, then rack as the yeast also need oxygen in
order to start, even though the whole process of fermentation itself is anaerobic. Racking will aerate.
If it does not restart on its own, make a yeast starter. We recommend using Lalvin KIV 1116 or EC-1118. These are strong yeast with good SO2 and alcohol tolerance.
They produce a protein which is capable of inhibiting or killing sensitive yeast. Make a quart starter using 3 parts of wine or juice and 1 part non chlorinated drinking
water. Rehydrate the yeast according to package directions. This is important to do as it returns the yeast cell to a healthy, more functioning condition. Rehydration in
plain non chlorinated water should not be for longer than 10 to 15 minutes. Add the rehydrated yeast to the wine/juice and water mix plus a pinch of yeast nutrient and one tablespoon of
sugar (simple or corn sugar preferred). Shake to aerate. Oxygen is beneficial in getting the fermentation going.
This starter will take one to three days to become active. When active remove one half quart of wine from the carboy, reserve. Replace this volume with half (quart) of the
starter. Add the wine removed from the carboy to the starter. When the starter gets going again and if the carboy is not, repeat the procedure. There will not be a violent
fermentation as there is not a lot of sugar available. Good Luck. |