RJ Spagnols Amarone comes with raisins and skins?

[Geronimo]

RJS Winery Series Cellar Classic Amarone comes with skins and raisins. The skins are in 2 jars filled with gooey grape jam-like stuff, the raisins are dried hard as pebbles.

Question is; do you use one or the other? Has anyone added both?

 

[Rocky]

Geronimo, I always add both, even when the instructions say to add one or the other. Also, read Joeswine's post on adding the raisins in secondary. I think it is an interesting concept and I plane to do it on my next red. When you think about it, the raisins will be in contact with the wine much longer in secondary than in primary and that should produce a much fuller wine.

 

[bpowell88]

If I was to purchase raisins does any kind from the grocery store work? Just sun maid raisins?

 

[Dugger]

When I made this kit I put both the grapeskins and the raisins in the muslin bag. I also did a two week ferment in the bucket, rather than rack to the secondary, but this is just a personal choice. It's presently bulk aging.

 

[Rocky]

If I was to purchase raisins does any kind from the grocery store work? Just sun maid raisins?

That is what I use and I buy them at Sam's Club in a box that contains two 2 lb. bags. According to the "ingredients" there are no additives. I have never had a problem.

I know that some people buy a red grape raisin at Whole Foods, but my store does not carry them. Kind of a blessing in disguise becasue they probably would be expensive. Everything else at that store is.

 

[smcalli1]

That is what I use and I buy them at Sam's Club in a box that contains two 2 lb. bags. According to the "ingredients" there are no additives. I have never had a problem.

I know that some people buy a red grape raisin at Whole Foods, but my store does not carry them. Kind of a blessing in disguise becasue they probably would be expensive. Everything else at that store is.

Rocky, do you wash them or chop them up before adding them?

 

[Rocky]

I do not wash them but I do pulse them in a food processor to break up the skins. This was recommended to me by George at Fine Vine Wines and it works well. I realize that some kits say not to chop them, but I do.

 

[smcalli1]

I do not wash them but I do pulse them in a food processor to break up the skins. This was recommended to me by George at Fine Vine Wines and it works well. I realize that some kits say not to chop them, but I do.

Thanks, Rocky.

 

[bpowell88]

Thanks for the help! Im going to attempt to throw some in a secondary and see what happens.