This 5" Vinometer measures the alcohol content from 0 to 20% in DRY (not sweet) wines. To be used after the fermentation process has completed.

Easiest to use with red wines since readings are easier to see. When measuring white wine, the addition of a red dye allows better visualization of the wine level. The dye should not contain alcohol or components that would interfere with the measurement.

A vinometer is a piece apparatus that consist of an open, graduated glass tube with a small filling resevoir. The vinometer's reservoir or funnel is filled with a small amount of wine being tested until some wine exits out at the other end. It is then turned around and the filling resevoir placed on a flat surface and allowed to self drain. The alcohol concentration level is read off the vinometer's scale in percent of alcohol.

The level of the liquid is determined by the modifying affect that alcohol has on the interfacial tension between water and glass and the opposing surface tension of water.

The greater the alcohol concentration, the less liquid capillary action and the lower it will sit in the tube of the vinometer.

Sugar interferes with the interfacial effects that a vinometer's action relies on and hence the method can only be applied to dry wines. Similarly, other components in wine may also interfere with accurate measurements.

Comes complete with directions and is very easy to use. * You DO NOT need a test jar when using the Vinometer.