Fermentation temps

[Paul]

What I read indicates a fermentation temp bewteen 70-75 degrees. My house is not that warm (nor is my basement where I would like to make the wine). The basement temperature is approx. 67 as best as I can tell. What is the impact on kit wine making fermentation at that temp?

I do not intend to raise the thermostat...I can wear a sweater but my wine can not.

[grapeadmin]

What I read indicates a fermentation temp bewteen 70-75 degrees. My house is not that warm (nor is my basement where I would like to make the wine). The basement temperature is approx. 67 as best as I can tell. What is the impact on kit wine making fermentation at that temp?

I do not intend to raise the thermostat...I can wear a sweater but my wine can not.

With wine kits, I have had problems fermenting them to completion when the temperature is too cool. A dry wine ends up too sweet. I would recommend puting a heating pad under the fermenter to keep the temp up around 70 deg F or a bit higher.

If you are fermenting fresh juice/grapes, cooler fermentations tend to bring out more aroma and flavor of the grape. Warmer ferments tend to increase the overall complexity of the aroma and flavor because the higher temp produces more complex esters. Red grape wines from fresh fruit/juice is often fermented at 75 deg F and the temp is allowed to get as high as 85 Deg F.. Wine wines from fresh grapes/fruit is often fermented below 65 deg. F..

Hope this helps

john

[Paul]

Thanks for the suggestion, although I did read your earlier comment indicating the heating pad method under the fermenter. I'll give this some more thought before investing too heavily in wine making equipment.