WineXpert Topping Off

[Wild Duk]

I had a question on the steps 3 and 4 of my WE Cab. Merlot kit. They both mention topping off, but only in step 4 after you rack the wine does it mention to top off with a similar wine. Step 3 it just says to use water ( or wine from Susse-Reserve addition, which I don't have)....


So should I do as it says and first top it off with water, then later after racking to another caboy, use he wine....or what...


Thx

 

[Jack on Rainy]

I used a shot of N2 and didn't top off at all thinking I'd dilute the wine if I used water. (My LHBS said this was the way some of them did it and it was ok. That was preGeorge and this forum.). Now after a couple of years more kits and nearly that in aging some of these WE reds,I really don't think it makes much difference although I still haven't used water, just similar wines -either kit or commercial. And, I am happy to report, these WE premium red kits are coming around so I am beginning to enjoy them.

 

[montyfox]

I also us clear glass marbles that you can purchase at your local dollar store. Just make sure they are clear and not painted.

 

[vcasey]

WE kits can be topped off with an extra liter of water. They have already accounted for you doing so in fact. You may also top off with a similar wine, glass marbles or rack down to a 5 gallon carboy and put the extra in bottles or a half gallon jug (yes both need to have an air lock.
VPC

 

[uavwmn]

wild duk, if I have to top off a WE kit that states in the directions you can top off with water, I go 1/2 and 1/2. 1/2 water, 1/2 similar wine. That way you have the other half of that wine to drink while you are working!