Carboy (Carbouy)

A carboy (carbouy) is a glass container ideally suited for making wine. Typically, they come in sizes of two, three, five, six, and seven and a half gallons (7.5) --with a five gallon carbouy being the "standard" size. Containers larger than seven and a half gallons are too heavy for most to easily work with, or lift. Carboys (carbouys) have a very narrow "neck" and a narrow opening that allows for insertion of a stopper and air-lock.

It is important to use a glass container during the secondary fermentation, as glass does not absorb air. Plastic containers absorb air--which can cause the wine to oxidize and possible go bad. In addition, glass does not become stained by the wine (as plastic may), and cleans up extremely easily. For the beginner (or even expect wine maker), glass carboys are the ideal container of choice for small batches of wine.