So should the nutrient, tannins, etc, be added at the same time as the PE?
Sulfite-12 hours
PE(and additives)-12 hours
Yeast
i do.
all ingredients + sulfite, then wait 24 hrs, rehydrate yeast (i should be making starters!) and pitch it after 20-30 min. KISS
if you would like to bulk age, wait till it's done fermenting, rack, (back sweeten and sorbate if it needs some sweetness), then add sulfites. you will then need to add sulfites every 3-4 months after for bulk aging.
typically i only bulk age for 3 months because we end up needing carboys, but i would like to go for atleast 6. it's not hard to label (rack again if needed - super clear non-filtered wine anyone?), just toss in a bit of sulfites and stir. repeat.
As wade mentioned, you don't want to make the yeast struggle with sulfites. you can get off flavors and aromas. I was trying to look up the names of the molecules that are caused by this and other mis-steps to no avail. i guess i could go back and listen to my sanitation cd i got, but i don't think we are getting too much into the chemistry of it all. just try to follow the general we've been talking about and you'll be good.