Winemaking - I have a question that I am unsure on!?

Question

Hiya To all the winemakers, or anyone that might know the answer that I need, I last night started to make my own wine for the first time by using the Youngs wine kit, now I have followed all the instructions, and did exactly what it told me to do, but there is No mention of whether or Not the Oak chips actually dissole in the wine or do I have to remove them somehow myself?

Please can someone help me out on this matter!

Many Thanks!

Answer 1

You have to remove the oak before beginning the airation process (if you are making red wine).  If making white wine, you can leave it in until you put it to bottle.  Oak chips do not dissolve in wine.  If you are using oak flakes then just sieve it out or use a racking attachment.

Answer 2

You will need to remove them.  If you want a strong, oaky flavor keep the in until you bottle.  If you want a milder, oaky taste take them out after a week or two.  The easiest way to remove them is to use a bottle strainer.  You can usually find them either in wine stores or you can order them online for around 20 bucks.

Answer 3

No, they don't dissolve, but settle down quite firmly with the rest of the 'Bottom' towards the end of fermentation; you should leave them behind at your first racking off - do use a proper syphon end though

Cheers!