Saturday I tested my first Merlot after it's been sitting in the secondary for 8 days. SG was stable at the number listed in the directions for 2 consecutive days, so I added the final items from the package and stirred it "vigorously" just as the directions stated.
I have a question regarding the "vigorous" stirring. I used my drill stirrer, and spent about 2 minutes flipping between forward and backward to really stir things up, then 1 minute or so in 1 direction. The only problem with 1 direction is that I couldn't go too fast otherwise I'd have wine coming over the top of the carboy. Is it better to flip back and forth, or would it be better to just go a single direction? Or does it really not make any difference?
My primary fermenter looked lonely so I also started an Italian Sangiovese this weekend.
I have a question regarding the "vigorous" stirring. I used my drill stirrer, and spent about 2 minutes flipping between forward and backward to really stir things up, then 1 minute or so in 1 direction. The only problem with 1 direction is that I couldn't go too fast otherwise I'd have wine coming over the top of the carboy. Is it better to flip back and forth, or would it be better to just go a single direction? Or does it really not make any difference?
My primary fermenter looked lonely so I also started an Italian Sangiovese this weekend.
