How Do You Monitor The Brix Of Fermenting Wine Must?
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. Be sure the hydrometer is clean and free of oils from your fingers. Fill 3/4 of a graduated cylinder or testing jar with juice. Avoid including seeds, stems, skins and bits of fruit in the sample. Check the temperature of juice with a thermometer and note it. With the bulb end first, place the hydrometer into the juice and give it a gentle spin with your fingers. 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.) Record the number on the hydrometer that coincides with the lowest portion of the meniscus. To increase Brix by 2 degrees, add 3 1/2 ounces of standard granulated
