Tips for Using Oak spirals

[bmd2k1]

going to be making my first vino kit and have purchased some oak spirals to age it on...post fermentation

Are there any tips/tricks to get the most out of the spirals or do ya just toss em in and let them do their thing?

Thanks in advance!

Brian

 

[SloppyJosephine]

Toss them in and let them do their thing, it shouldn't take too long, sample regularly. I don't have experience with kits but have used spirals. How many gallons/litres is the kit? Use 1 spiral.

 

[bmd2k1]

6gals -- using 2 spirals -- per recommendations.

 

[chicken]

I used oak spirals for the first time last year, on some Chardonnay I made from fresh juice, and was very happy with the results. I used French oak, medium toast, and left them in for 6 weeks (tasting every couple weeks). I used both spirals. Depending on what kind of oak you are using, you may not want to leave it in that long. I think I read somewhere that American oak needs very little time, maybe just a couple weeks.

 

[bmd2k1]

Decided to go with a single American Oak Med toast spiral in my 6gal Trinity red blend kit.

Will report back once bulk and bottle aging complete --- like Sept2021