Racking

[DanielB]

Hi all,

thank you for all your advice so far on various threads - I am learning so much!

This query is about fruit wines and racking...So, there are various points at which one can/should rack - after fermentation, and then variously to help clear. The question is, at each of these rackings should a campden tablet be added (1 crushed tablet per d/j)?

a half teaspoon(?) of fermentation stopper but then...a campden tablet, not to stop any fermentation, but to prevent any spoiling. Or is it not necessary?

Thank you!

 

[Graz]

Generally I only rack the once into a second DJ to clear it and then bottle from that. If you wanted something that was really polished then a second move off the sediment produced by clearing would help but there is also a danger of oxidisation or infection (though less so once the alcohol is present as it is a good preserver after all!).

So it's like this:

Fermentation finished? Check gravity, if it's where it should be e.g. 0.990 - 0.995 then proceed.

Carefully siphon off the wine into a clean and sterile demijohn adding 1 crushed Campden + half tsp of Potassium Sorbate (fermentation stopper).

De-gas, I use a wand on a drill, couple of minutes alternating forward and reverse.

Back sweeten if required.

Add finings as per instructions mixing in accordingly.

Leave until clear (2-7 days typically).

Bottle being careful not to disturb the remaining sediment

 

[DanielB]

Graz, Thank you! Very clear...makes sense.

I have just racked (last night) some blackberry wine. I did NOT add a campden tablet at this racking though...should i pop the cork out and add a crushed one now? Same with peach....

 

[Frogbrew]

I only ever add fermentation stopper, never used the campden tab.
The bottled wine is usually gone within a week or so though.

 

[Graz]

Graz, Thank you! Very clear...makes sense.

I have just racked (last night) some blackberry wine. I did NOT add a campden tablet at this racking though...should i pop the cork out and add a crushed one now? Same with peach....

If you're planning to keep it / mature it for a while then yes adding a Campden is advisable and there's no harm in adding a crushed one now.

 

[DanielB]

Thanks Graz!