2018 Grape Season Underway

[Ajmassa]

Just checked and yes they are shrink wrapped. The bung hole is questionable though. I'm hoping it's not drilled.

Why’s that? Also what’s up with the toast level? Medium?

 

[mainshipfred]

Why’s that? Also what’s up with the toast level? Medium?

I never asked about the toast level. I assume we could request what we want but I bet the default is meduim. As far as the bung hole I would think if it wasn't drilled it would keep undesirables out. I'm sure you have forsyth bits.

 

[Ajmassa]

Probably should put this in a different thread at some point. But you can definitely count me in for a 30L to pop my barrel cherry.

 

[mainshipfred]

Probably should put this in a different thread at some point. But you can definitely count me in for a 30L to pop my barrel cherry.

They are going fast, only 4 left if you get one. I can still probably up the order. I just don't want to get stuck with barrels

 

[pgentile]

Added vp41 to the Pinotage tonight. Cap is thick, smell is very good. Will take SG tomorrow am.

 

[pgentile]

1.068 at noon today. Added nutrients.

 

[baron4406]

They are going fast, only 4 left if you get one. I can still probably up the order. I just don't want to get stuck with barrels

I'll take a 25 if you still have one-plus i live in the Allentown area and could certainly meet you in the Philly area

 

[mainshipfred]

I'll take a 25 if you still have one-plus i live in the Allentown area and could certainly meet you in the Philly area

You may have the last 25. What's left is 3 30s. BTW, are you interested in going to the Meet Up and Wine Festival at Split Rocks in June.

 

[Ajmassa]

Going to up my grape order to account for a 30L barrel now. Originally put in for 12 half lugs hoping for (x2) 6 gal carboys filled for aging. I know yields vary- but seems like one 1/2 lug= >1 gal of finished wine -
You think 7 lugs would get me there? Or go 8 each? My math gives me 8.8gal from 126lbs (7 lugs).

 

[zadvocate]

I always assume I will get 60% of my must in finished wine. So .6 times 12.6 gallons of must gets me 7.5 gallons. I feel like I would rather over shoot than under.

 

[Ajmassa]

Your right I don’t know why I even contemplated it. Another 36lbs to both (and $100) and no worries. And possible a separate juice pail to boot as a failsafe (or excuse)
My #’s were 70%. And the must has worked out as the # lbs then shift decimal point left one space. 126lbs is about 12.6 gal must and about 7.5-8.8gal in the finish. <— works well enough to at least figure out an order and equipment.

 

[baron4406]

You may have the last 25. What's left is 3 30s. BTW, are you interested in going to the Meet Up and Wine Festival at Split Rocks in June.

Just looked it up, I'll be on Houston the week before but that weekend is clear for now, its less than an hour away for us. Looks like fun

 

[Ajmassa]

Upped the order to 8 lugs per batch. And a Syrah bucket.
Just noticed my supplier sells an 8.8gal demijohn. Seems like a perfect match to an 8gal barrel. Great prices too (whole catalog really)

 

[pgentile]

Upped the order to 8 lugs per batch. And a Syrah bucket.
Just noticed my supplier sells an 8.8gal demijohn. Seems like a perfect match to an 8gal barrel. Great prices too (whole catalog really) View attachment 47891

8.8 is good size to add one of these days, I also need a 3gl.

Is it still malbec with the lugs?

 

[pgentile]

The Pinotage cap is starting to diminish. Smell is very good at this point. Depending on SG tomorrow I might be pressing saturday or sunday. Was hoping that juice buckets would be available to throw on the skins, but they look like a few weeks away yet. Guess I'll throw a good portion of the skins in the freezer.

 

[Ajmassa]

8.8 is good size to add one of these days, I also need a 3gl.

Is it still malbec with the lugs?

Yea going 288lbs of Malbec. And a bucket of Syrah just because why not.
Figure I can top Malbec with Syrah if I had to. New world blends- no rules!
The prices for bottles and corks are pretty spot on too. The real cork/agglomerated 1+1 are $0.17 ea. by the 50 bag. 1,000 obviously even cheaper. I’ll be gearing up.
3gal carboy is also on my list. I do have 1 but need another. Very undervalued size.
https://ginopinto.com/wp-content/up..._Winemaking_Catalog_Revised_February_2018.pdf
Good to hear smooth sailing so far over there.

 

[pgentile]

SG at .996 pH at 3.68. Will be pressing tomorrow. Got everything in order in the basement this evening.

 

[mainshipfred]

The Pinotage cap is starting to diminish. Smell is very good at this point. Depending on SG tomorrow I might be pressing saturday or sunday. Was hoping that juice buckets would be available to throw on the skins, but they look like a few weeks away yet. Guess I'll throw a good portion of the skins in the freezer.

Did you get Pinotage juice as well or putting the skins on another varietal?

 

[pgentile]

Did you get Pinotage juice as well or putting the skins on another varietal?

Juice buckets aren't in yet as far as I know. With this I probably will stay with Pinotage juice. Will freeze the skins until I have the juice

Going to do another all grape batch with carmenere and syrah when the Chilean grapes come in as well.

 

[mainshipfred]

Yea going 288lbs of Malbec. And a bucket of Syrah just because why not.
Figure I can top Malbec with Syrah if I had to. New world blends- no rules!
The prices for bottles and corks are pretty spot on too. The real cork/agglomerated 1+1 are $0.17 ea. by the 50 bag. 1,000 obviously even cheaper. I’ll be gearing up.
3gal carboy is also on my list. I do have 1 but need another. Very undervalued size.
https://ginopinto.com/wp-content/up..._Winemaking_Catalog_Revised_February_2018.pdf
Good to hear smooth sailing so far over there.

They do have verry good prices. The corks caught my eye. It appears natural #9 corks are $9.50 for 50. Not much of a description but if they are truely natural corks that is a steal. I've been buying Grade 3 natural corks 100 for $42.00.