Oak Question

[Runningwolf]

I decided to add a Medium French Oak to my WE White Merlot after talking to Winthief. My question is I have racked over to the secondary at a sg of 1.03 and the oak says it needs six weeks min. of contact time. I added 25 cubes when I racked. When the time comes to stabilize should I rack the cubes over or should I just wait the six week to stabilize. I do realize you're suppose to rack to the secondary at 1.01 or lower but I was planning for a longer period in the secondary.

 

[Wade E]

Ive never tried the White Merlot with Oak but Im guessing you wont want a huge amount of oak in this and the time spent in before racking would probably be sufficient! Taste it at that stage and decide for yourself though.

 

[jdammer]

I don't think I would like a sweeter wine that is oaked. Do you know of any vineyards that make an oaked white merlot?

 

[Tom]

Ive never tried the White Merlot with Oak but Im guessing you wont want a huge amount of oak in this and the time spent in before racking would probably be sufficient! Taste it at that stage and decide for yourself though.

Yea I agree White Merlot is not a wine you want alot of oak in.

 

[Dugger]

I would not wait the 6 weeks to stabilize - I would stabilize at the proper time and then either remove the cubes ( lessor oak effect) or keep using them until you think it is oaked to your taste.

 

[Runningwolf]

Thanks everyone. Reracking tomorrow minus the oak cubes.