Headspace

[JPVagabond]

Afternoon all

I'm bulk aging in a 4.5 litre demijohn. It's full to about 1 inch off the neck. I'd say the diameter of the wine/air contact area is about 10-12 cm.

I added a campden tablet prior to racking over once fermentation was complete. Does that sound ok or should I try to reduce the headspace. And if so what would you recommend? My instinct says marbles so as not to interfere with the flavour. It will be in there for the next 6 months at least.

Thanks all

 

[Rice_Guy]

Most of us wouldn’t be concerned with an inch of head space on about 1.5 gallon. This is a better liquid to air ratio than seen in many 750 ml bottles.

yes you could add a two or three marbles, ,,,, 1/2 inch or less volume
yes you could a few ml of similar wine

we will be concerned when the head space is a few inches, 5 to 10 cm