To rack or not to rack (a question of 'when')

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YoungsBlock19

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I'm reading conflicting information about the timing of the first racking. Some say after completion of primary fermentation, 4 days or so after pressing. Others say let the wine stay on the gross lees during MLF with bi-monthly stirrings, racking after 8 or so months, that there are beneficial nutrients in the lees that will feed the ML bacteria. What say you? What's your experience?

Thanks
 
My standard protocol for reds is to press, wait 24/48 hours, rack to vessel and start mlf. My experience is that the gross lees that comes out that first racking can be pretty heavy. I like a fruit forward, new world style wine, so avoiding conditions that would give you a more earthy wine is what I am in pursuit of. I add acti-ml to make sure there is adequate nutrient for the mlb.
 

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