Why Is My Wine Carboy Sucking Air?

Carboys are used for the fermentation process of wine and can create strange air noises.

Carboys are an essential tool for wine fermentation. A carboy glass container usually holds up to seven gallons of liquid and helps a wine gain its flavor and texture. Amateur wine makers might notice that there is a sucking noise that comes from the carboy. The air sucking noise is due to the carboy's design.

Airtight

Carboys are used for wine fermentation because they are airtight.

Fermentation

With the environment air right, yeast and other wine products absorb the oxygen. This eventually creates a vacuum.

Design

Carboys have long necks so a wine maker can plug a long cork into the carboy. This allows the carboy to be extra airtight. Also, carboys are usually glass since glass does not absorb or let out gases.

Transferring

The fermenting process requires the wine maker to transfer the initial liquid into a second container for further fermentation. When you uncork the carboy, a large air suction should occur. Oxygen and other gases are rushing into the nearly void carboy.

References

• Pressed For Wine: Carboy