I spin my first rack lees in a dedicated clothes washing machine for about
an hour, a la Tom S (I did not do his recommended speed improvements,
though). Thus, I reclaim a fair amount of wine from my lees, which can be up
to 75% for a few varietals.

I would typically be fine with a 1 gallon topper but am moving towards
topping up from the prior year so I don't have to bother with various 750,
1500ml and 3l bottles which turn more quickly.


Patrick

"Joe Sallustio" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> K1V is practically indestructible...
>
> You will probably need at least 1 gallon to replace what you rack out
> once it settles down because K1V settles pretty nicely. There are a
> lot more solids than you might expect in the first rack. It should
> finish up in a few days and start to settle down. You will be better
> able to predict how much you need then. The day before you rack take
> the carboy and twist it sharply to get some of the sediment on the
> walls to settle too.
>
> Joe
>