My thought was to keep the extra gallon in a 1 gal carbouy or some
type of smaller container, so that I would have extra for topping-off
if need be (I think I read that somewhere). I figured using the wine
to top-off would result in better quality than topping-off with water.
Also, 5 gal is enough for me.

It appears that you are using 2 carbouys, just both are the same size.
Am I correct?

Nick Ruchalski > wrote in message >. ..
> On 5 Feb 2004 18:24:47 -0800, (Jack) wrote:
>
>
> Although I still consider myself somewhat of a newbie, I think I can
> help you here.
>
> I've successfully completed 3 of the Selection Series kits with the
> Cab being among them. It still needs to age a few more months, but it
> has great potential and I struggle with not popping a cork on another
> bottle.
>
> The Selection kits are designed to rack into a 6 gallon carboy. After
> the primary fermentation is complete, I racked into a 6 gal. carboy.
> When I added the secondary ingredients (without racking) I just topped
> off right in the 6 gallon carboy. Basically, I simply followed the
> instructions supplied with the kit. :-). The next racking was done
> into a different 6 gal. carboy. Not much topping off needed.
>
> I suppose racking to the 5 gal carboy per your plan wouldn't hurt, but
> I've had very good results just using a 6 gal.
>
> IHTH
> Nick