1. Home
  2. Winemaking Craft Forum
  3. basics question

basics question

I'm new to winemaking and thank you all for the great info I have read while lurking the past few months. My first attempt, still in the works, was a kit which I am apt to do again until I get some chops. But being a man, I want to ignore the directions ...... :)

The instructions suggest racking to the carboy before fermentation is complete and adding additives while in the carboy. Wouldn't it make more sense to add all material while the must is in the primary fermenter making it easier to stir? My local wine guy suggested leaving the must in the primary fermenter till fermentation was complete then rack for clarification. BTW, during which stages do I stir? All or just when mixing in additives.

All input and direction is appreciated. Thanks!

Jeff

Reply to
Jeff Lange
Loading thread data ...

Jeff, I never rack before fermentation is finished. You can stir until it finishes. I usually let it sit for a few days once it's done fermenting and then sulfite & rack, topping up the carboy.

I don't know what additives you have but some go in at different times, you want to clarify the wine and some of those will help that.

Some wines are made sweet and sorbate helps keep them from re-fermenting, that goes in at the end.

Some wines benefit from oak and some kits have you put that in first, others a little later.

This time you may want to follow the directions, they are usually foolproof. Next kit tell us what it is and what you are thinking of doing. I really don't make kits, I use fresh wine juice and grapes so can't speak with authority on kits.

Joe

Jeff Lange wrote:

Reply to
Joe Sallustio

Jeff:

In my town, I'm the 'local wine guy' as I run a Brew on Premise. IMHO, your local guy is full of it. That's one of the ways to bad results, such as oxidized wine.

Follow the instructions. You should get good results.

You didn't say what kit you bought so I can't give you any helpful tips.

Steve

Reply to
Steve

DrinksForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.