Like you, I rack when it's convenient. However, in a book about Pinot Noir
I've read that Burgundians rack only when there's high atmospheric pressure
since it presumable keeps the lees compacted, and that this corresponds to
full moons. Is there any reality here? I don't know.

Ed




"Roger Dahlquist" > wrote in message
news:PnUBb.44385$d35.8063@edtnps84...
> This is a GREAT forum ...
>
> Today, at a four hour convening of an Italian lunch-bunch at a Chinese
> restaurant (where we bring our own handcrafted wines), I was privy to a
> discourse, by an otherwise intelligent fellow (Italian ancestors), who is
> adamant that wines should be racked at the full moon - he will rack only
at
> the full moon.
>
> I've heard this "racking at the full moon" theory many times, mostly from
> winemakers who's roots are in eastern Europe but I wonder if there is any
> basis in science.
>
> I (Swedish roots) tend to rack when it is convenient or when I think of
> it - on a loose schedule (press + a week or so, two weeks or so, a month
or
> so, etc...).
>
> After reading, and being highly entertained by, the posting re the "moon
> apogee/perigee and the hydrometer" I wonder what you serious winemakers
have
> to say about racking and the moon.
>
> I will hang up and listen to your comments ...
>
> Thanks, Roger(o)
>
>