Racking wine

[Neesam43]

Hi I've a batch of red wine on the go and was wondering when I should rack it before or after I've stabilised it. And is it better to rack it or not.

 

[Moley]

What is it and how long has it been going?

If it's a kit wine then it probably hasn't had chance yet to drop or compact a sediment, so you may as well de-gas and add your stabiliser.

If it's a longer term wine and there is a noticeable sediment, rack first.

 

[Neesam43]

Think it's been on for 2 weeks now.

 

[Moley]

So there's no point in racking as it hasn't had time to drop a sediment and if you're happy with the final gravity (or it tastes right if you haven't got a hydrometer) then you may as we'll proceed to the next step.

 

[Neesam43]

Would racking it not reduce the sediment for the final result, or should I just leave it in the original Demi Jon till it's done.

 

[Moley]

If it has only been going for two weeks then any sediment which might be there will be very light and fluffy, and will easily be stirred up with your racking cane.

I would assume, as you are asking a question like this, that you have minimal experience to date. Therefore, racking so early would be either completely pointless or very wasteful. Don't bother.