WineXpert Recorking Bottles

[Bob007]

I made my first batch, a WineExpert Barolo, back in 2010. I kept it in the carboy and bottled it in the summer of 2012. It is really good. However, I'm noticing some bleeding of about 1/2 the corks. I have 12 bottles left and wonder if it will oxidize the wine if I replace the corks. What say you? Also, what's the best practice for sanitizing corks? Thanks, Bob

 

[Boatboy24]

How bad is the bleeding? Can you post a pic?

There is nothing wrong with recorking, by the way. But some bleeding shouldn't be an issue. I assume that since there is bleeding that you've been storing the bottles on their sides. Has the wine been kept in a very dry area? What kind of corks did you use?

 

[DaveL]

Wait the more important question is this, Do you understand you're supposed to drink this after making it? 3 1/2 years old and half the kit left? I admire your patience.

 

[DaveL]

Oh, I can't answer your. question as I have only been at this 1 year. Also my wines have shrink caps on them so I don't have to worry about that question since I can't see if it is leaking anyway

 

[wineh]

If your bottles have weeped a bit, and that has turned to a gooey substance, I would leave them alone. When this happens, the liquid is evaporating, leaving behind just grape solids that are self sealing. If you have a few bottles that are actually dripping, get them out and drink them. I wouldn't re-cork (not that it would hurt). To sanitize my corks, I use a "cork humidor". you can Google that.

 

[JerryF]

I recently completed a batch (cloudy ?)of cabernet/merlot I made from Niagra grapes, pressed and juice in buckets. I racked off into clean carboys and then ran through a #2 filter back into my demijohn. I did not notice that my filter pak had developed a split in the assembly until almost 3/4 the way through so the so-called "filtered" wine had a tiny bit of opaqueness. I let it rest for 1 week before bottling. After I'd done the full batch (86 bottles) I corked and let it rest for 1 week. After that I inspected and was not satisfied with the clarity although the taste was marvelous so I uncorked every bottle and gently poured each off into carboys then ran everything again through a filter pkg (this time #3's) and it came out crystal clear and still retaining a deep red color (still tastes just fine) I recorked all of them with a #9 short this time (#8 previously). I opened a bottle last night to check it out and it poured off beautifully with no signs of clarity issues. I agree with the others in that recorking is fine and will not affect taste in any way. Jerry

 

[Bob007]

How bad is the bleeding? Can you post a pic?

There is nothing wrong with recorking, by the way. But some bleeding shouldn't be an issue. I assume that since there is bleeding that you've been storing the bottles on their sides. Has the wine been kept in a very dry area? What kind of corks did you use?

The wine is stored in a room that I would say is not very dry and on their side. I used corks that came with the original winemaking kit I purchased. I think they may be #8 corks (does that sound right?). From what I've read, I will be getting #9 corks for my next batch...which is at primary fermentation this week.

Thanks,

Bob

 

[Bob007]

Wait the more important question is this, Do you understand you're supposed to drink this after making it? 3 1/2 years old and half the kit left? I admire your patience.

Ha ha....the circumstances were such that in June of 2010 I put it in the final rack to carboy and then had some heart issues (a fib) and didn't have the energy to finish the process. It was kept in a refrigerator for 3 years, and after my afib operation in April 2012, I regained my energy and wanted to get it bottled...hoping it was OK. I drew some out and it was great, so I bottled it up. We've actually drank a case since August.

Bob

 

[Bob007]

If your bottles have weeped a bit, and that has turned to a gooey substance, I would leave them alone. When this happens, the liquid is evaporating, leaving behind just grape solids that are self sealing. If you have a few bottles that are actually dripping, get them out and drink them. I wouldn't re-cork (not that it would hurt). To sanitize my corks, I use a "cork humidor". you can Google that.

Thanks. No dripping, just a bit that has seeped through the cork and solidified. Other bottles have nothing at all seeping through. I'll check out the "cork humid". Thanks,
Bob