throw the hydrometer in the trash and give it the sniff and taste test.

hydrometers are for people making stuff for sale, you aren't.

--
billb
"DAve Allison" > wrote in message
...
> Hi.
> Another new-bie question. Hydrometers scare me. :*)
>
> I have a wine kit. Selection Pinot Noir. Primary fermenation begin I had
> 1.095 on my hydrometer. That was 8/26.
> 9/3 I racked to carboy, and it was .0996. instructions said 1.010 or
> less. Which it was.
> 9/13 today, I am ready for stage 3 and it is reading .990 or possibly
> less. Instructions say .996 or less. This is almost off the scale of the
> hydrometer. but less.
>
> My question:
> 1. If I look at my alcohol scale for hydrometer, this sounds like I have
> a wine that is without alcohol. Heavens, don't tell me I just spent $70
> to make 30 gallons of grape juice. Though tasty,my liver will complain.
> 2. If I'm not getting enough fermentation, any suggestions? Should I
> attempt another yeast infection? (probably not the right term)
>
> or just stick to the instructions, heck, it's a wine KIT, anyone can do
> this?
>
> Thanks for all your inputs over the last few months. I am learning.
honest.
>
> DAve