wine not clearing

[Two_Sheds]

So, my �38 wine kit isn't clearing. It's had all the finings and gubbins which were included, and it's had a week more than it 'needed' to clear.

I have read the instructions and in small print it says 'your wine will benefit from filtering'.

I'm a bit cross now that I have to also buy a �17 filtering kit

[Jeanied]

Try giving it a change in ambient temperature for a few days and if that doesn't work you could always try a scalded jelly bag before getting a filter kit.

[SarzWix]

Yeah, I agree with jeanie. Put it somewhere really cool for a little while. And instead of a 'filtering kit', you could just buy some coffee filters and a plastic funnel or sieve to sit them in

[Hazel at the Hill]

An old (clean!) stocking works well as a filter.

[Two_Sheds]

Hazel, that is the reply I was hoping for.

thanks all

[Nicos]

I've used old teatowels for filtering- but they do soak up ( ie waste) some of whatever you are filtering.
Tends to stain them though!

[Two_Sheds]

I've just filtered one glass with an old hold-up. I gave it to Mr S to taste-test it, and also a glass of his best Rioja to compare (blind test).

He preferred the home brew! Result!

[Nicos]

Urmm...it's nothing to do with the stocking is it????




hey- well done- bet you're really chuffed!!

[Two_Sheds]

... but he said it tasted like white wine.

I don't think I'm dealing with a connoisseur here

[Nicos]

Poor chap!!

Still- sounds like you've done really well!

[Two_Sheds]

An old (clean!) stocking works well as a filter.

update: it worked so well that I use it to filter all my wines now when I rack them. Look at this parsnip 'sherry' (parsnip wine is notorious for staying cloudy)

[SarzWix]

That looks great! I've got some gooseberry & elderflower that could do with the stocking treatment I think...

[sarraceniac]

I haven't made home made wine (or beer) for years (not sure what I am doing on this thread ) but this certainly worked then and somebody may be able to use it now. You could buy isinglass at the chemist which when added to the wine slowly sank to the bottom taking all the cloud with it. Unfortunately it left a funny taste and you had to give the wine another couple of months after racking off to lose it. But the best solution was loosely whipped egg whites (I think it is called 'soft peak'). Float this on top and as it slowly sinks, your wine is clarified and no after-taste. Sorry experts, just sticking my oar in but it may be useful to someone.

[Jeanied]

Interested in the idea of a stocking filter - are we talking tights too? And what denier?

[Paul Wagland]

Old stockings eh? You know there are websites specifically for that kind of thing.

Good idea though - I think I might try and rescue my dandelion wine...