Found Collection

My supply store suggested aging in the secondary (glass carboy) rather
than the manufacturer's directions to bottle then age.  The
manufacturer suggest 6 weeks in carboy and 3 months in the bottle.  My
supply store suggest keeping the wine in the carboy those final 3
months.  Thanks in advance for any help.  Tim.

I age 6 to 12 months in the carboy and don't worry about in the bottle.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome

I think the comment "postpones the chore of bottling" to be a valid
one. You don't always have time to bottle on any exact date. I did
a BrewKing Valpolicella and a Kendall Ridge Showcase Chardonnay
last Dec and Jan and just bottled the Valpolicella last month and
am getting ready to do the Chardonnay next weekend. Way longer
in bulk aging than I planned on but events required it. Keep it topped
up, in the dark and sulphited and you can postpone bottling for a
long time.

I racked the Showcase Chardonnay last night and it's tasting real
nice.

Don

Bulk aging is FAR more forgiving.  It makes sure the wine is stable.
Sometimes there will be precipitate falling out even after it is clear.  I
have had a bad experience with this with a Shiraz kit.  Once it is in the
bottle it is too late to do much about it.  Even with a kit I would not
bottle much before 3 months.

However there are exceptions to every rule.  I have made several batches of
RJ Spagnols Gewrztraminer and found that I like it young better than
matured.  Yes in smoothes out beautifully at a year but there is a
fruitiness that I love right after it finishes clearing.

Now that I have confused you, it is up to you.  I would say two things
should govern your decision.
1) can you wait?  If you are willing to lay this down for a while, age in
batch.
2) If it is a red, err on the side of long batch aging.

Ray

Another significant benefit of bulk aging is that you can usually
avoid fining the heck out of it with chitosan/isinglas/etc, as the
kits normally have you do.  Just let time and gravity clear it.

Cheers,
Richard