MLF Chromotography

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Published: Saturday, 18 January 2014 14:20

Written by David DeCiero

A few weeks ago, the Merlot showed that it had undergone MLF successfully.  I knew that the Cabernet Franc would take a little longer since it utilizes the BM45 yeast, which creates some problems for the ML bacteria.  So, I waited a couple weeks and then tested for the presence of Malic acid using chromatography.  The process entails using chromotography paper, a tall jar with a lid, and chromatography solvent.  The first step is to make a line 1” from the bottom of the paper (lengthwise) in pencil.  The next step is to make a mark on the line at least 1” apart and 3/8” wide.  I make marks to make sure that I don’t make the blot too big.  I made 3 marks for the controls (Tartaric, Malic, and Lactic) and then 3 more marks for the actual samples.  I then took my capillary tubes and used one for each.  I then let it dry for 45 minutes, and then staple it to make it a tube.  I then place it in the jar with the chromatography solvent .  The solvent is ½” from the bottom.  I then wait about 8 hours.  After 8 hours, I remove it from the jar and hang it in the garage.  The stuff sinks, so I don’t like to leave it in the house.   After 12 hours, I bring it inside and just hang it in a warm area.  After another 5 hours, it looked like this:

 

As you can see, the malic acid is completely gone from all of the samples.  So, it was time to rack and add sulfite.  This is where winemaking becomes janitorial.  I spent the next two hours racking and cleaning.