racking and ML fermentation

[Chuck-crisler]

Will doing the first racking while the ML fermentation is (hopefully) under way cause any problems? I would think that the bacteria wouldn't notice.

Thank you,
Chuck Crisler

 

[Turock]

You don't want to rack once the MLB is in there. Someone on another forum did this and ran into a very slow MLF. The best practice is to wait 24-48 hrs or so after racking the wine from the primary to the secondary in order to allow the gross lees to settle out. Rack it off, then add your MLB and nutrient.

 

[Chuck-crisler]

Thank you for a problem avoided! That is exactly why this forum is so useful. I would not have expected any impact.

Chuck

 

[Turock]

The other problem to think about is the risk that the gross lees involve. They are loaded with the by-products of fermentation. And when left on a wine long term you can get into H2S problems that you might not even be to detect by smell. Not ALL H2S problems exhibit offensive odor, especially when it is slight. BUT what happens is that because the H2S is undetected and unresolved, mercaptans develop from the H2S and much later on the wine will show a defect of that H2S by developing a soapy taste.

So BEST practice is to always wait a couple days for the gross sediment to settle out and rack it off THEN do your MLF. You'll save yourself from alot of potential problems down the road.