Hi,
I've made over a half a dozen wine kits over the last few years and I recently decided to see if I can improve on my successes by following the instructions in the archives of Jack Keller's blogs dated 12/18/03:
I'm making a Barolo and a Valpolicella from kits by Vineco.
I follow instructions explicitly from day 1 until today. I haven't changed anything yet, but I'm wondering if I should.
The kits were started on 8/14. When vigorous fermentation subsided on day 7, I added back the gallon in reserve. Fermentation continued, by has now stopped on day 11. I check SG and both are around .994. Here's my question:
I am used to racking and topping off when fermentation ceases. Should I forget the norm and let them sit until day 28 as instructed, or should I rack and top off with similar wine? I'm mainly concerned because my 6 gallon carboy leaves way too much room below the neck.
One other quick question...On day 30 is says to rack into a 5 gallon carboy. Shouldn't this be a 6 gallon as in the start on day 1?
Regards, Nick