jojoeastcoast
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- Sep 26, 2009
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I have just spend the last several hours lurking on this forum, after my purchase today of the International Selection Australian Traminer-Riesling kit. I have made a few wine kits before, but have always followed the directions to a "t" without considering "the craft". I have had nice tasting wines, but am definitely interested in making this more of a hobby that I might cultivate, so am eager to learn.
So I have just read Tim Vandergrift's 5-20-40-90 directions from WineMaker's Magazine "Make Your Kit Wine Shine" article, which I came across via a link on this forum (I can't post the link as I haven't made 5 posts yet! I guess I like to get down to business!).
I have a few questions about this, I hope someone can answer.
He suggests after the first 20 days (5 days primary, plus 15 days secondary), to rack, fine and stabilize. My wine kit instructions specifically say NOT to rack at this point... but of course to stir vigorously. I feel I should follow the kit directions... correct?
After day 40 (so 20 days after the previous step), he says to rack again and then leave for 50 more days for the total of 90. My kit also suggests racking at this point, and also topping up with water or a similar wine (I like the idea of adding wine... any commercial recommendations?). I like to vacuum filter my wines, as it costs less than $9 to rent the filter with new pads from my local retailer. I am assuming it is at THIS point that I filter, then I leave it for an additional 50 days before bottling. Would this be ok?
Also... this 2nd carboy thing has thrown me for a loop. I need to figure out the logistics as I only have one glass carboy. I do have one plastic one as well, but I much prefer glass, especially if its sitting for 50 more days. The vacuum filter rental does come with another glass carboy to get the job done, but they are assuming you are going to bottle right after filtering, then return the whole rental with the carboy.... not keep it for 50 more days! Would it be ok to clean & sanitize my own glass carboy and then vacuum filter it again to get it back into my own carboy?? Would a 2nd running of the filter be detrimental?
Apologies for being so tactless in creating such a long FIRST post... I am just very excited I guess!
So I have just read Tim Vandergrift's 5-20-40-90 directions from WineMaker's Magazine "Make Your Kit Wine Shine" article, which I came across via a link on this forum (I can't post the link as I haven't made 5 posts yet! I guess I like to get down to business!).
I have a few questions about this, I hope someone can answer.
He suggests after the first 20 days (5 days primary, plus 15 days secondary), to rack, fine and stabilize. My wine kit instructions specifically say NOT to rack at this point... but of course to stir vigorously. I feel I should follow the kit directions... correct?
After day 40 (so 20 days after the previous step), he says to rack again and then leave for 50 more days for the total of 90. My kit also suggests racking at this point, and also topping up with water or a similar wine (I like the idea of adding wine... any commercial recommendations?). I like to vacuum filter my wines, as it costs less than $9 to rent the filter with new pads from my local retailer. I am assuming it is at THIS point that I filter, then I leave it for an additional 50 days before bottling. Would this be ok?
Also... this 2nd carboy thing has thrown me for a loop. I need to figure out the logistics as I only have one glass carboy. I do have one plastic one as well, but I much prefer glass, especially if its sitting for 50 more days. The vacuum filter rental does come with another glass carboy to get the job done, but they are assuming you are going to bottle right after filtering, then return the whole rental with the carboy.... not keep it for 50 more days! Would it be ok to clean & sanitize my own glass carboy and then vacuum filter it again to get it back into my own carboy?? Would a 2nd running of the filter be detrimental?
Apologies for being so tactless in creating such a long FIRST post... I am just very excited I guess!