WineXpert 1st Kit - Going Well

[WineNewbie]

My Merlot seems to be going pretty well. I tested my SG onFridayand the reading seemed to have been holding around 0.090-0.092. A few extra days went by before I could check (see my other thread about breaking my hydrometer

).


I sanitized my drill-mounted stirring device, and went to work on it, but not before taking a swig out of the test jar! It tasted pretty good, and carbonated, as expected. I just couldn't resist. I figure by taste-testing along the way, I'll be in touch with the changes my little baby is going through. That's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it!


I stirred, and stirred, and stirred some more, adding the dissolved packets and clarifier. I was a little surprised that there was not a ton of foam. I probably stirred atleast twice as long as the recommended 2 minutes increments in the instructions. I hope it was enough. It definitely stirred up a lot of sediment. When I was done though, there was still some visible sediment at the bottom that didn't make it into suspension. I hope all is well. Topped it up with a bottle of cheap commercial Merlot.


I know I'm rambling, but just wanted to share my experience with everyone. I'll update and maybe post a pic sometime soon!

 

[paubin]

Sounds like all is going well. Just keep a firm grip on your hydrometer

Pete

 

[peterCooper]

The amount of gas you get depends on a lot of things, not the least of which is how long you let it sit there after racking to secondary. It certainly sounds like you have everything under control....which is great. You still have the most difficult job ahead of you, letting the wine sit in the bottles long enough

 

[WineNewbie]

OK...I've caught the virus. I ordered my next kit from George. I'm going to try a Riesling, which I'll start once my Merlot is bottled. I can only do one batch at a time with one primary and one carboy (although that will likely change soon

) This is an addicting hobby. I find myself spending more time on this forum everyday!


My next project is to figure out where I'm going to store all of the bottles of finished wine. I have a plant shelf that I may convert into a large wine rack. A wine chiller, or cooler is not really in the budget right now, so I won't be aging at the ideal temperature, so I hope this won't affect the development and taste of my wine.


One other quick question: I see a lot of you use "K-Meta" for sanitizing. I wasn't able to locate this item in the online catalog. Can anyone direct me to where it is located?


Thanks!

 

[WineNewbie]

Nevermind my "K-Meta" question above...It just came to me that "K" stands for Potassium. I already ordered some Potassium Metabisulphite

I think I'm covered there!

 

[peterCooper]

I'm sure you've seen a load of posts about the difference between cleaning and sanitizing. A number of us a k-meta solution for sanitizing all sorts of things, counter tops the outside of carboys, even the dog it she barks too much (just kidding). Throw some solution in a spray bottle and it'll keep for a month.

 

[WineNewbie]

The instructions for my Vintners Reserve Merlot say to wait 14 days after degassing and stabalizing to bottle (if clear). I noticed in George's tutorial he mentions to check the clarity after 8 days, and bottle if clear for VR kits.


As I'm sure the case is with most reds, it is very dark in the carboy, so I took a small sample into a wineglass and held it up to the light. It looks very clear (no particles, no cloudiness).


Should I bottle at 8 days per George's tutorial, or wait the 14 days per the kit instructions?


I guess my main question is: Is there anything else going on during this phase besides clarifying, that would require waiting the 14+ days?


I certainly don't want to rush it, if it can have a negative effect.

 

[geocorn]

The primary purpose of the wait is for the wine to clear. I recommend a minimum of 8 days, but I usually wait for several months to bottle. It is the only way my wines age. Once they are in the bottle, the wife starts giving them away!

 

[WineNewbie]

It probably will be more tempting to drink once bottled...but I should have my next kit on the way and will want to get that one started right away

I can see where the need for more carboys comes in. Thanks for the info.

 

[Wade E]

Bulk aging in the carboy will dramatically improve your wines as
compared to aging them in the bottles. I learned that lesson a little
while ago after I made a duplicate kit wine that some of my friends
wanted me to repeat for them. I let it age for three months, compared
to just bottling after the 14 days as the kit says. Wow what a
difference. Now I will be bulk aging for at least 6 months for
eveything, especially reds. If you can afford it, I recommend
purchasing another carboy. Wade

 

[WineNewbie]

Well here it is! 1st kit bottled! Bulk aging is not yet an option with only one carboy. Started my Riesling last week. Just wanted to share the picture. Excuse the generic home-made labels. Cheers!

 

[masta]

Congratulations getting the first batch completed!!! Bottles and labels look great.

 

[peterCooper]

Good job. John.
It looks gooood!

 

[Wade E]

Excellent, Did you try any. How was it?

 

[Joanie]

They look beautiful! Congratulations!!!

 

[Waldo]

Looks great winenewbie and I like your generic labels

 

[pkcook]

Great job John,


Some times the simple are the best and I think your wine looks very professional.

 

[WineNewbie]

Had a few sips while bottling, and it tasted fairly good. I'm sure it will get better with age. I haven't cracked a bottle open yet. I'm trying to wait atleast a month before trying one.

 

[winesnob]

Great job John!! I like the labels.

I haven't bottled any of my wine yet. They are still bulk aging. I haven't even made any labels.

 

[WineNewbie]

I just made them in Word. Imported the picture. I used glue stick to put them on. I'm thinking they will come off fairly easy when I recycle the bottles. More so than using an adhesive label (likeAvery labelsor something similar).


Hopefully future designs will be a little more thought out.