Newbie question on bulk aging

[KSU_Jim]

Hello, all,

I started several small batches of strawberry, blackberry, muscadine, and several blends a couple months ago. I figure to make small mistakes this year and aim for better practices, etc, next season, and hopefully larger volumes in 2013. I have them in 1 and 3 gal secondary carboys. All have fermented dry and are clearing. TA has been adjusted fairly close to my targets. My question----Is there a downside to moving them to my garage for the colder winter months? I could place them off the floor on my workbench. Nothing ever freezed out there, but it may get into the mid thirties at times. I don't have a basement and it would get them out of the house for a few months. I understand they may not degas with the colder temps, but would it be beneficial, or possibly problematic to try this?

Thanks.

 

[Rocky]

Jim, I would try to de-gas the wine first. This is better done at higher temperatures, like in the 70's. After that, I would stabilize the wine with K-meta and move it to your garage as you suggest. If the temperatures drop into the thirties for a decent period of time, you will have essentialy performed a "cold stabliziation" which could drop out some tartrate crystals.

 

[KSU_Jim]

Thanks for your help, Rocky. If it did drop out some tartrate crystals, wouldn't that lower my TA number?