WineXpert Good advice or bad advice?

[daveklick]

I'm making Stags Leap Napa Valley Merlot. After stage 3 I was told that it wasn't important to top up all the way(6 gallon carboy) but directions say otherwise... any suggestions?

Thanks.

Dave

 

[Wade E]

How far are you from the bung and i havent done a W.E. in a long time so can you tell me what stage 3 is?

 

[gonzo46307]

Stage 3 is the stabilizing and clearing stage (with the WE kits this involves stirring up the sediment). I normally top off, at this point, you usually don't need too much. Step 4 says to wait 8 days then rack off all the sediment and top off with a like wine. I really doubt much will happen in a week if you don't top off, but I usually play it safe anyway.

Peace,
Bob

 

[Wade E]

What ever you do dont top up with water, get a like wine, it doesnt have to be an expensive one as it wont change your profile but adding water will thin it out!

 

[rawlus]

how much headspace is there? there shouldnt be much as winexpert has you carry over most of the lees into secondary so the carboy should be nearly full.

 

[daveklick]

There is not too much head space, maybe 5"... Yes stage 3 is stabilising and clearing. It's been in their since the 15th of March.

 

[Tom]

There is not too much head space, maybe 5"... Yes stage 3 is stabilising and clearing. It's been in their since the 15th of March.

5" ! Thats alot of head space. Like Wade said top off with a QUALITY like wine.

 

[daveklick]

Thanks. Will do, should have just listened to directions. I'm adding the same kind of wine this afternoon, hopefully I didn't mess it up?

 

[Wade E]

You didnt mess it up in that small amount of time. We just dont want you bulk aging with that much space. Red wines can with stand quite a bit of time before any noticeable difference shows up unlike white or light wines whicg show discoloration first which is just unsightly and hats it unti you really oxidize.

 

[Tom]

U B fine. Relax have a glass or 2 of wine...

 

[daveklick]

Ok, one more question...if you haven't noticed I worry a lot....

I added a bottle and it still wasn't up to 2" from top. So, I transferred to a 5 gallon after 5 days so there would be no air and filled up a few bottles. The directions say to rack it after 8 days. Should I still rack it after 8 days(3 more days) or should I just leave it alone for 28 days as directions state for Step 4.

I hope you can follow that.

 

[Wade E]

I would just leave it alone for a few weeks and let the sediment compact down more, thats what I do. Makes it easier to rack off without disturbing the lees much.