topping with syrup

[upper]

I have some Elderberrys going in the primary,can I top off with some Elderberry extract or elderberry syrup that I have? Thanks Upper

 

[Tom]

I would not "top off" any wine still in the primary or secondary. You need some head space for the fermentation and degassing.

 

[upper]

Thanks Tom,when I do need to top-up would the syrup deal work?Another thing when I made the extract some of the seeds burned right at first.You can smell it slightly in the extract.Would this smokey flavor be too much?Upper

 

[Tom]

Well the elderberry syrup I imagine would be the f-pac. That would be added after you rack from the secondary and after you degassed and stabilized with k-meta and sorbate. As far the smokey smell I will pass as I cant tell how much it will make a diference.
I bet Wade or others who have made this wine will jump in soon.

 

[dderemiah]

May or may not be off topic, but where in California did you get the elderberries?

 

[upper]

They grow in the riverbottom to 7000 feet..In fact I just finnished ywo peanutbutter and Elderberry jelly sandwiches.mMMMm Upper

 

[dderemiah]

Being from Northern Cal, I don't know what the riverbottom is, but I assume that means you picked them yourself. That is some dedication to the hobby. I tip my hat to you.

 

[upper]

It would be like along the Russian river or the Sacramento river.I get most of mine in elevation,they are a little sweeter.The higher you are the sweeter they are.Kind of like a night out sippin the Eldo juice Upper

 

[dderemiah]

How did you find the spot? I'll have to plan a trip when they are in season. I'm dying to make some wine from them but haven't been able to find a source for fresh or frozen.

Are you competing with the birds?

 

[upper]

Just the Quail,but the elderberry Cumberland sauce is delightfull over them at 350 for 20 minutes.............Upper

 

[upper]

Hellow again,Ok I have two batches of Elderberry going.Both are right at 4 gallons each.The first batch is in a secondary 5 ga bucket W/ airlock.It started with a bubble every 6 sec,to one every 8 two days later.Second batch is 4 days behind the first,it is now in (2) 2-gallon pails (primary).I have a 5 gallon water bottle that I plan on racking the first batch into.This will leave me with about 1 gallon head space in my carboy.Question is,can or should I leave that much head space till the secong batch is ready to top off with up to the 5 gallon mark? Thanks for all comments........Upper