Stirring questions

[crushdaley]

making my first batch with neighbors Concord grapes. Should I stir at the same time I punch down the cap? I have a “mixstirrer”
Will stirring oxidize the wine?
How vigorously should I stir?

 

[cmason1957]

When I punch down my caps, I use a rake, poke it in, break up the cap and make sure it is all under wine, then give it a good stir for good measure. No stirring should not oxidize your wine, assuming fermentation is progressing normally.

 

[crabjoe]

I probably shouldn't be responding to this because I'm new to this but based on what I've read, this is my understanding.

During primary fermentation, you want to introduce oxygen for the yeast to grow. In addition, because fermentation releases CO2, it will push out the air above your wine since CO2 is heavier.... so no need to worry about oxidation.

Based on what I'm seeing with my Pinot Grigio, I don't see how the wine would get oxidized during primary fermentation. Mine's bubbling so much, I'm thinking the 7.9 gal bucket isn't big enough for the 6 gallon batch... well, it's big enough, but it's cutting it close.

 

[AstroVine]

No problem stirring in primary. Delestage is a term used by the french when they rack the wine and than pour it again in the same level during the Alcoholic Fermentation. They believe this lights up the fruity aromas of the wine. Some do a so called pump over in order for the wine to come from the bottom and aerate + it pushes the cap down.

 

[crushdaley]

Can I stir vigorously to break up the cap at the same time?

 

[AstroVine]

Personally, I first sink the cap then I stir giving the stick that I use an angle so it gets wine from the bottom to the top.

 

[beano]

Can I stir vigorously to break up the cap at the same time?

Yes, that will work just fine.