Secondary transfer...

Feb 21, 2004 6 Replies

Hi, I'm making my first wine kit, have made beer and wine for years.



The kit is a 23 liter Australian Cabernet, now about 7 days in the primary and fermenting well. According to the instructions, I need to transfer the primary to a 23L carboy to avoid spoilage from too much air in the headspace. Now, my 23L is tied up with a med dry mead, I do have a 25L carboy ready to go... will my wine get oxidized in the secondary if I transfer and place an airlock on it?



I'm thinking that the concentration of CO2 produced during the secondary process should not allow oxidation to occur.



Any opinions?



Steve


Steve, you are correct, the CO2 will displace the air. It is surprising how much fermentation and airlock bubbling still goes on. Good luck on your first wine!

KB

Thank you for your post... I'll report back on this one.

I'm sure it's been asked, anyone have any recommendations on Cabernet wine kits? My wife and I like the more robust slightly dry, cabernet wines...

Steve

And you are thinking correctly!

However, as the CO2 production reduces it is strongly recommended to top your 25L up. Bacteria likes (depend) on surfaces (and mostly air) to multiply. Thats another reason for minimising the liquid/air surface.

Do you think if I added +2L of water (to increase the volume from 23 to 25L) that the dilution would be noticeable?

Steve

Steve,

2 in 23 L is about 8%, and an 8% water addition would be noticeable in most wines. Why not purchase 2 L of an inexpensive, commercial wine and top up with that? The poorest quality commercial wine will change the character of your wine much less than a 8% water addition. lum

Excellent suggestion! Thank you.

Steve

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