Application Importance of pH in Winemaking

The first essential step to producing a high quality is to measure the pH of juice and must. The measurement of pH occurs at each step of the process from pre-fermentation, fermentation, post-fermentation and at bottling.

A variety of factors and processes depend on pH including microbial stability, sulfur dioxide effectiveness, malolactic fermentation performance, protein stability, and sensory attributes.

A wine’s microbial and chemical stability is influenced by pH due to the influence it has on the various forms of sulfur dioxide that will be present. Sulfur dioxide is responsible for protecting wine against oxidation and microbial activity. The molecular form of sulfur dioxide is most effective against microbes and is predominate at lower pH values. As the winemaking process progresses pH levels can change due to acid conversion and other metabolic activity. These changes require frequent monitoring of the pH values and sulfur dioxide levels of wine being stored or aged.

Most wines have a pH value between 3.0 and 4.0. White wines tend to have pH values between pH 3.0 and 3.3, while higher pH values between 3.3 and 3.5 are more common for reds. Red wines sometimes have a higher pH, in part, due to the longer contact time the grape juice has with the grape skins. Early in the winemaking process and sometimes at points throughout, it may be necessary to make acid additions in order to set and maintain an optimum pH range for the desired style or condition of the wine. The pH of finished wine may also affect its color. For example, pigment compounds in the wine express different hues of color depending on the pH.

Meters

HI5000 Series Research Grade Laboratory Benchtops

The HI5000 series is our most advanced benchtop pH meters incorporating the latest microprocessor to bring exceptional features and performance for the most demanding user. These meters are completely customizable to user specific requirements. These research grade meters have many features including:

CAL Check pH diagnostics to ensure accurate measurements
Easy to use as you are guided through every aspect of operation
Large color LCD that is sharp and easy to read
Factory calibration service plan available
Capacitive Touch Keypad that is easy to clean
Logging and USB connection for data management
4 models to choose from:

• 1 or 2 input channels
• pH, ISE and/or Conductivty/TDS probe inputs

edge pH meters

The versatile edge pH meters can be used as a benchtop, portable or as a wall mount to save valuable bench space. The HI2020W edge is made specifically for the Winemaker being supplied with a high performance pH electrode made specifically to withstand the high solids content found in grape juice and must. edge meters feature:

• Capacitive touch keypad
• Digital pH electrodes with built in temperature sensor
• Built-in rechargeable battery
• GLP Data for tracking calibration data
• CAL Check pH diagnostics
• USBs for flash drive or computer connectivity

The edge family of meters include both multi-parameter versions and dedicated versions that only measure pH.

Portable pH Meters

Portable meters provide the versatility to bring the meter to the sample. For the winemaker we offer a simple two button operation application specific version that is supplied a pH electrode for wine juice and must. For users that are looking for a more advanced versions we offer portable meters with the features and performance of a benchtop.

Application Specific Meter Features:

• CPS Sleeve anti-clogging technology
• Simple two button operation

Professional Portable Meter Features:

• GLP data for tracking calibration data
• CAL Check Diagnostics
• USB for data transfer
• pH/ and pH/ISE versions

Waterproof pH Testers

Testers or Pocket meters are the most affordable pH meters available. They are simple to operate and allows everyone, from the hobbyist to professional, to measure pH accurately and economically.

These powerful meters include the following features:

• Replaceable pH electrode
• Automatic Temperature Compensation
• Extractable cloth junction to clear any clogging from solids found in wine juice or must

Halo pH Electrode

Halo Bluetooth Smart pH electrodes allow the ability to use a compatible Apple or Android device as a professional pH meter using the Hanna Lab App.

 The HI10482 Halo pH electrode includes a built-in temperaturesensor for automatic temperature compensated measurementsand will automatically update the calibration buffer set to include pH 3.00 and 7.01 to better bracket the expected readings.

Other features include:

• CPS Sleeve anti-clogging technology
• GLP data for tracking calibration data
• Ability to log and share data