Bulk Aging Question

[burningalive]

I just did a White Merlot Kit and am at the bottling stage. I know at this point I could bottle but I also could bulk age it, so my question is.....should I?
What are the benefits? Should I Rack it again and add the kmeta for aging or should I just add the kmeta in the current carboy and stir it up? Or should I just bottle it and let it sit and stop worrying about it? Thanks!

 

[vcasey]

It's a White Merlot which is generally somewhat of an early drinker. So I would let it sit in the carboy to make sure everything is nice and clear for a couple of weeks to a month and then bottle.
VC

 

[burningalive]

It's nice and clear now....and according to the directions it's ready to bottle I put the clearing agent in about 2 weeks ago and it looks great with no visible sediment at the bottom. I just didn't know if for taste it would benefit from the bulk aging more than from aging in the bottle.

 

[Tom]

Like said before it need no long term aging. But, why not wait another 2 weeks before bottling. Of course if you don't have anything to drink... well.. why wait
Once in bottle wait at least 2-4 weeks so bottle shock is a non issue.

 

[burningalive]

Thanks.

 

[Waldo]

As with everything burningalive there are thoughts, opinions and judgements on bulk aging in the carboy vs the bottle. My personal take is that I am more likely to let it age longer in the carboy than if I go ahead and bottle simply because its pretty tough picking up that carboy and pouring a glass. Whether it really ages in the carboy better than in the bottle I honestly cannot say. I make mostly fruit wines and let thm clear naturally so by virtue of that mine are in the carboy a lot longer anyway.

 

[Brent2489]

Waldo,I'm with you.When I pick up the carboy and pour it is a pretty big glass vs the bottle. It just seems to keep pouring out!!

 

[Goodfella]

I do too..... BUT, my "Wine Theif" certainly earns its name!!!

 

[burningalive]