Vinometer

Name for a measuring device for quickly determining the alcohol content of wine and wine-like beverages. It consists of a tube open at both ends and fitted with a scale. The way it works is based on the phenomenon of alcohol reducing the surface tension of water and the capillary effect (liquids rise upwards in narrow glass tubes against the force of gravity).

Vinometer - Graphik

1 = Funnel, 2 = capillary tube, 3 = scale, 4 = drip tip

Measuring accuracy

The higher the alcohol content (and therefore the lower the surface tension), the less an alcohol-water mixture is held in the capillary against gravity. The result is displayed in per cent by volume, the measuring accuracy is around 0.5% at a temperature of 20 °Celsius. The measuring range only extends to 25%, which is why the vinometer is not suitable for distillates. A high residual sugar content in the wine impairs the accuracy of the measurement. A much more precise determination is possible with a areometer, which can also be used to measure spirits.

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Measuring accuracy

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Measuring accuracy

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