First Time Winemaker - Oak Timings

A forum for winemakers to discuss their craft
Post Reply
User avatar
Beer O'Clock
It's definitely Lock In Time
Posts: 6641
Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2010 5:30 am
Location: An Aussie in Oxfordshire.

First Time Winemaker - Oak Timings

Post by Beer O'Clock » Mon Apr 13, 2020 11:55 am

I've been a member here for quite some time (and been brewing for a lot longer), but I find myself at a loss.

I decided to dip my toe into the water/wine, and bought a Solomon Grundy Cabernet Sauvignon kit.
The instructions are pretty straight forward and easy to follow. However, I know my palate and doubt there would be a sufficient oakiness to the kit.
Sadly, this aspect isn't covered in the instructions, and most of the information that I have gleaned from t'internet, is Mercan based.

"Get to the point Terry !"

OK, when do I add the oak chips ?
Before or after adding the Stabiliser ?
When I transfer to secondary ?
Before or after adding Finings ?

I intend to bulk age before bottling.

???????
I buy from The Malt Miller


There's Howard Hughes in blue suede shoes, smiling at the majorettes smoking Winston cigarettes. .

User avatar
Horden Hillbilly
Moderator
Posts: 2150
Joined: Mon May 08, 2006 1:00 pm
Location: Horden, Co. Durham
Contact:

Re: First Time Winemaker - Oak Timings

Post by Horden Hillbilly » Mon Apr 13, 2020 9:49 pm

From memory of brewing Beaverdale/Selection wine kits, add the oak chip sachets at the same time as the yeast.

User avatar
Beer O'Clock
It's definitely Lock In Time
Posts: 6641
Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2010 5:30 am
Location: An Aussie in Oxfordshire.

Re: First Time Winemaker - Oak Timings

Post by Beer O'Clock » Thu Apr 16, 2020 11:48 pm

Thanks H
I buy from The Malt Miller


There's Howard Hughes in blue suede shoes, smiling at the majorettes smoking Winston cigarettes. .

Robwalkeragain
Hollow Legs
Posts: 374
Joined: Tue Jun 05, 2018 9:19 am

Re: First Time Winemaker - Oak Timings

Post by Robwalkeragain » Sat Apr 18, 2020 3:25 pm

So you're after more oakiness? Extended contact time with the powder is the way to go, so pop it in when bulk ageing. Tannins in the wood are better left out of the initial ferment. Either way, no real wrong answer so don't sweat it.

User avatar
Beer O'Clock
It's definitely Lock In Time
Posts: 6641
Joined: Sun Mar 28, 2010 5:30 am
Location: An Aussie in Oxfordshire.

Re: First Time Winemaker - Oak Timings

Post by Beer O'Clock » Sun Apr 19, 2020 6:46 pm

Cheers
I buy from The Malt Miller


There's Howard Hughes in blue suede shoes, smiling at the majorettes smoking Winston cigarettes. .

Post Reply