Altering a kit red wine

[kryptonitewine]

I am getting ready to start a red wine kit from Midwest. As I'm sure this isn't the fanciest of reds I am thinking of aging it with oak. I want to age a minimum of 6 months. When do I add the oak and how long should I leave it in there? Should I make any other modification? I'm assuming I don't stabilize until after the aging is complete.

 

[cpfan]

Would be nice to know what kit you have. Did it come with any oak? Or are you planning on changing the oak to something else?

Steve

 

[kryptonitewine]

It's a WE vintner reserve "coastal red" that came in a groupon starter kit. No oak came in the box but I think this needs to be kicked up a notch. Maybe I'm wrong as this will be my first kit.

 

[TonyP]

Welcome to WMT and good luck with the kit. "Coastal Red" is a brand rather than a variety. but it seems to be a fairly light red. For that reason, I'd be careful on adding oak and wouldn't go crazy with the oak, preferring something mild.

 

[kryptonitewine]

Thanks Tont. That helps a lot.

 

[TonyP]

Thanks Tont. That helps a lot.

Note that I edited my response. I originally suggested adding oak chips to the wine, but decided to take that out. I'm concerned that your wine is too mild and oak chips will add a harshness to the wine. Your instructions say not to rack out the sediment until after clarifying, which means the wood will stay in the wine for longer than I think is advisable. For that reason, I believe you're better off adding wood cubes at the end of the process. Let them stay for 2 months, then test.